Tom Bonner is a smart kid growing up in inner city St. Louis during turbulent times. Whole neighborhoods are being demolished in the name of urban renewal and as middle class families flee to the suburbs, gangs, crime and decay move in as occupying forces. Tom tries to live in two worlds, competing for a college scholarship during the day while running with a gang at night. When he's accused of arson and murder Bonner has to choose one path or the other. But has the choice already been made for him?

Pursued by both police and rival gangs, Bonner stumbles into a network of caves under the city. Betrayed by friends, he's accepted by the enigmatic Tugboat and other down-on-their-luck strangers in a shabby shanty town on the banks of the Mississippi where he learns that school isn't the only place important lessons are taught. Will a terrible storm, a threatening flood and a tent revival provide the formula for Bonner's redemption or his damnation?

If you enjoyed Tom Sawyer, The Catcher in the Rye or To Kill a Mockingbird, you're sure to like Welcome to Happy-Land.