#1 Global Amazon Bestseller | 1st Place Stargazer Literary Prize Winner | FAPA Bronze Medal Winner Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story follows a group of recent college graduates who struggle with alienation and addiction as they try to survive a year of teaching at dysfunctional Miami public schools. A poetic and insightful coming-of-age novel, Developing Minds is centered on 24-year-old Luke Entelechy, an aspiring writer who sees his creative output suffer when he begins teaching at one of Miami's most challenging middle schools. As the year progresses, however, Luke begins to relate to the neglect and abuse his students suffer, and is faced with a "haunting" decision: continue to let his dark past destroy him, or rise above the struggle to realize his potential as an artist and a "real" human being. Equal parts disturbing and humorous, Developing Minds offers a brutally honest look at the American public school system and the extreme measures many teachers take to cope with working in it. CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DEVELOPING MINDS: "A coming-of-age novel that tackles alienation, misguided hopes, and addiction, making the tale perfect for those who enjoy satire and darker humor." -Ezvid Wiki, 12 Sidesplittingly Hilarious Novels for All Readers "Inspired by his own travels, screenwriter and author LaPoma's narrative is raw and edgy, effectively anchored by two protagonists whose brio and "same sense of adventure" keep the story alive . . . Entertaining and authentic look at the troubled American educational system, courtesy of two men propelled by perseverance and adventuresome spirits." -Kirkus Reviews, Recommended Review "Should be required reading for anyone who is considering or has ever considered teaching as a career . . . most highly recommended." -Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite, 5-Stars "Conversations are raw, turgid, and right on the money, and just when the reader feels this is all comedy, Jonathan waxes poetic - and the change is seamless. This is brilliant writing from a very promising new author. He is one to watch." -Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Amazon Reviewer "Poignant, engaging . . . a frighteningly accurate depiction of inner-city schools . . . a full-bodied work of fiction that will ring true with both students and teachers and provide a point of hope in an industry that has become increasingly profit-minded and complex." -Red City Review "Developing Minds is a raunchy, yet captivating story of two best friends, one gay, one not, who decide to spend a year teaching in the dysfunctional Miami school district . . . Jonathan LaPoma is an extraordinary writer." -Stargazer Literary Prizes (1st Place) "Sometimes the meat of a title lies not in fire and flames, but in simmering passion. Such is the nature of the coming-of-age experience depicted in Developing Minds, which offers a multi-faceted exploration of growth, maturity, and eventual transformation on the parts of all involved." -D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review THE ALACRÁN SERIES UNIVERSE: Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story is the fourth book in a loosely linked standalone novel series. Each novel features themes of alienation and transformation and can be read completely independently of the others: ¿ Book 1: Hammond ¿ Book 2: The Summer of Crud ¿ Book 3: Understanding the Alacrán ¿ Book 4: Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story ¿ Book 5: The Soul City Salvation Permanently Preserved in Elite Research Libraries: The Library of Congress, University College London (UCL), and Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Switzerland).