Salamander: A Story of Two Boys

Luke holds a grudge against Aaron who is blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and popular with other kids. Aaron even has a champion salamander who is sure to win the big race. Luke thinks no one likes him because he has dark hair and eyes, and the other kids call him "Chinese." Luke wants to hurt Aaron and does something terrible to make sure he doesn't win the race. Later, Luke finds Aaron crying on the village green. Aaron tells Luke about his father's drinking and what he does when his drunk. Luke sees the story of his own life in Aaron's. Luke's mother died in a car crash when she was drunk. Aaron's father was getting help with his drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous. Luke realizes he was wrong about Aaron. The two boys go hunting for salamanders and then have a race of their own.