When Dreams Are Crushed
by Olga Altstatt
Category: Juvenile Fiction

In My Brothers Footsteps, The Battle Back is a poignant, heart- warming and sometimes funny accounting of my life. It tells of love, trust, fear, dismay and conquest. From a little boy with ADD learning life's lessons the hard way on the streets of New York, to a misguided troubled youth, to growing up in the prison system and then founding one of the most successful drug treatment programs for youth in the country. The story centers around my relationship with my older brother (by six years) who led me down the road of drugs, crime, and prison until I fought back with the help of a therapeutic community to become the person I am today. The book also serves as a reminder for parents and teachers of children with ADD and /or drug- related problems that something must be done immediately. The problems of ADD and drug abuse are devastating and, if not dealt with, can lead you through a lifetime of anguish and I know that the more we tell parents and teachers about these concerns, the easier it will be for them to recognize and deal with them. This book was written the way I speak, from the heart with the flavor of the streets in every word. I hope you enjoy it.