This book is a well-written discussion about the different ways racism and ableism can manifest, how difficult it is for ex-cons/delinquents to find work and be treated fairly after they get out of prison (especially for anyone who isn't white), and the commodification of children in the entertainment business. This should be a lot to tackle in one book, but Louis Sachar really pulls it off in his sequel to Holes.

Although I would recommend this book for teens (at the youngest) rather than the middle-grade demographic of its predecessor, it's a great entryway into the concept of taking baby steps one day at a time when trying to get to a good place in this chaotic, twisted up life.