Living in the inner city was a tough life.  Raised by a single mother, his father left the family when he was four, the adversities he faced were rough.  Gangs, drugs, a rare facial paralysis, and more, that seemed to block his way out of his life of poverty.  But through it all, and with the strength of his mother and grandparents, Kris, not only survived, he thrived.

The Grand Rapids Press probably put it best.  They said in a review that "Smith believes firmly in the power of stories to teach, educate, provide guidance and set examples."