Something for Nothing by Connie Bailey follows Alvaro Torres, a teenager with man–sized problems: his dad bailed, his mom's a shut–in, and his teacher at Our Lady of Providence School for Boys thinks Alvaro and his buddies are punks headed for a minimum–wage future. It doesn't look like anything's going to change until Candelario Carlisle transfers in and arouses Alvaro's protective instincts... among other things.
When a bully threatens the pretty new kid, Alvaro takes Cande under his wing and into his fledgling dance group. Slowly, under Alvaro's care and attention, the hard shell Cande has built around his heart begins to melt. The more involved they become, the more reluctant Cande is to add misery to Alvaro's life, but Cande's past could ruin the only opportunity these delinquent have for a better life.
