Darius A supersmart writer. His two escapes: his alter ego, Fury, a peregrine falcon; and hanging out with Twig. Darius thinks Twig could go far as a top-notch runner. But Darius isn't so sure about himself. Is it possible for an artist's life to lead anywhere?

Twig An outstanding middle-distance runner. When Twig runs, he's the only one to beat.

Darius & Twig Best friends. They need to navigate their Harlem world: the gangs, the bullies, an absent dad, an abusive uncle, the sleazy side of sports, the uncertainty of an artist's prospects. And they need to figure out how to grow up together, but apart.

Author Walter Dean Myers says, "You cannot live someone else's dream. Darius & Twig is about needing to live your own dream."