Gilbert Neely is a hard-working high school senior who dreams of attending college and becoming a teacher someday. But time after time he is knocked down by poverty. Follow him as he searches for a way to achieve his dreams. Readability (Flesch Reading Ease) 92.4. At Finding Forward Books, we publish easy-to-read, hi-low novels with positive life lessons that show teens overcoming challenges in their lives. Our goal is to help students improve their reading skills, increase their success in school, and gain hope. The books are suitable for all students, including English learners and those with learning disabilities. They are printed in Open Dyslexic, a font to accommodate students with dyslexia. Lexile measures range from 390 to 560. The books are classroom appropriate and do not contain sex or profanity. They have been praised in Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly BookLife Reviews, Foreword Clarion Reviews, and BlueInk Reviews. Russ Thompson is a retired educator who served as a reading teacher, high-school principal, and district administrator in Los Angeles. Much of his time was spent working with at-risk students. He holds a teaching credential as a reading specialist, as well as a doctorate in education from UCLA.