Boss — C. Heath Johnson

A coming-of-age novel loosely based upon true events during one of America's most colorful periods, the golden age of Vaudeville, Boss recalls the experiences of young Peter Converse, a musical prodigy from Duluth, Minnesota. When Peter, along with his best friend Glen Haley, is forced to run away from home for unexpected and shocking reasons, he must survive on his own with no money, no direction, and no promise he'll survive at all. Two boys- one with a second-hand banjo, the other a stolen trumpet -and a pair of dark, deeply disturbing secrets, Peter and Glen are determined to reach New York City and become professional musicians on the Vaudeville circuit. But the harsh realities of big city life, plus Peter's bloodline and the social prejudices against Glen, who is black, stack the odds against them.