Michael de Guzman

Finding Stinko Michael de Guzman

Newboy hasn't spoken in three years. By the age of twelve he's lived in eleven foster homes. His present situation is the worst yet. The time has come for him to flee the coop and make his way in the world on his own. He escapes with only a few possessions and $27.50. He knows he has to keep an eye on everything. His former foster parents will be looking for him. He's part of their meal ticket. The police could pick him up and return him. The streets are dangerous. Filled with villains. Then, in a Dumpster, he finds a dirty, ratty ventriloquist dummy with no hands, backward feet, a chunk of its nose missing and a permanently closed right eye who he names Stinko. With the discover of Stinko, Newboy has met the first of several new friends who will help him not just survive, but triumph.