AJ's family has always relied on his grandfather to help them with things as his parents have some disabilities (these are never really defined by the author, more explained as they would be by a child who sees them as being different from other people but also used to them as they are). When grandfather dies AJ and his parents must learn to cope with the loss and learn to deal with things without his help. AJ and his grandfather had enjoyed running and AJ uses that as a means for coping but when his shoes becomes too small he doesn't know what to do and finds he cannot participate with he track team he had so looked forward to joining. Then red letter bills start arriving and the power gets cut off. AJ takes it upon himself to deal with the issues as he fears anyone else's involvement will result in a call to social services which could mean that he can no longer live with his parents.
Good for ages 10 and up