Boots On The Block
By Kyri Demby

When Bentley, a carefree middle schooler from Pleasure Ridge Park, suddenly falls ill, his best friend De’Shawn—sharp, curious, and from the quieter suburbs of St. Matthews—can’t shake the feeling that something more than cafeteria mystery meat is to blame. What begins as a worried Google search quickly turns into a deep dive into environmental justice, exposing the hidden dangers of aging pipes, chemical spills, and forgotten neighborhoods.

Together, the two unlikely heroes form PRP Water Watch, a grassroots movement powered by research, resilience, and real community care. From creating flyers about lead testing to speaking at public meetings and facing down local industry giants, De’Shawn and Bentley learn that activism doesn’t wait for adulthood—and that even middle schoolers can make waves.

But taking action isn't always easy. As the boys uncover buried truths about pollution in their city, they must navigate skepticism, grown-up resistance, and the weight of responsibility. With the help of a science teacher who believes in them, families who support them, and neighbors who need them, De’Shawn and Bentley discover that the road to justice begins with two pairs of boots—and the courage to walk the block.

Boots On The Block is an inspiring, timely, and heartfelt story about friendship, fairness, and finding your voice in the face of injustice.