In this follow-up to the award-winning Holes, we meet Armpit three years after his release from Green Lake, working in construction (digging holes!), back in school, saving his money, and trying to get his life together. He has befriended a young neighbor girl who has cerebral palsy. When his old buddy X-ray comes up with a quick way to make a buck, Armpit never imagines it will lead to a brief romance with teen music idol Kaira DeLeon, and that he will become a hero for saving her life.This is another wonderful book from Sachar, combining humor and pathos in his inimitable way. The book offers a terrific positive portrayal of a disabled character, combined with a positive African-American male character who struggles to stay out of trouble. I found all the major characters in the story, including the teen rock star, to be believable and memorable.