The famous philosopher, John Dewey, said, "Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself." This book is a story about children. It is also a book about heroes, anti-heroes, wannabes, saviors, demons, and angels-a full cast of characters. It was said by Shakespeare that with a well-rounded cast of characters, the story will take care of itself because dynamic energy is created between characters as a natural occurrence of human interaction. The interactions between children and characters are fueled by contrasts, conflicting interests, sacrifice, intrigue, needs, trauma, self-absorption, and human drama. Put a cast of characters in a story, add children, and the plot will evolve. A plot that surrounds a story that spans decades and includes characters determined to control others and circumstances or who would sacrifice their soul to help children. Then there are other characters whose naiveté is noble but ignorant, well-intended but short-sighted. This book follows a journey with children and characters from many different perspectives and experiences. Some stories are inspiring, some are troubling, some are complex, but all are real.