Keesha's House 

by Helen Frost

Keesha's house is a place that kids go to when they need somewhere safe to stay.  It is a place that Keesha went to when she needed a safe place.  The stories of teenagers: Keesha, Stephie, Jason, Carmen, Dontay, Harris, and Katie are told in verse style.  Keesha ran away from home and her verbally abusive alcoholic father and found comfort in what is known as 'Keeshas house' but in reality it is Joe's house, who has a big house and a soft spot for teenagers in trouble since it reminds him of when he was cared for when he had nowhere to go.  Keesha stays there and helps kids who are going though their own issues and houses them until they can sort things out on their own.  Stephie who finds herself pregnant and Jason who is her boyfriend, they must make hard decisions between becoming parents or following their dreams of a college and better life.  Carmen who is waiting for a judge to hear her case, after getting arrested for DUI.  Harris who was disowned by his father because he is gay.  Katie who is angry at her mother's loyalty to an abusive boyfriend.  Dontay who is in foster care while his parents are in jail.  How did they all get there and what will happen to them?