Last Stop, Coney Island

After the death of his baby sister, ten year-old Trevor's mother disappears and he must search for her on the Coney Island Boardwalk, helped by the mysterious people he meets.

Trevor lives in the Coney Island Houses with his mom and pop. At ten years old he’s finally going to have the baby sister he’s been waiting so long for. But something goes terribly wrong, and the small family’s hopes are dashed. Trevor’s mom spirals downward into depression, finally turning to drugs and alcohol on top of her medication. Trevor is torn; he sees what his mom is doing, but she makes him promise not to tell Pop. Trevor is a good boy and wants to do as she says, but he’s so worried for her safety. He and his pop stick together to try to help his mom. Suddenly, one day she goes missing. A little girl with pink and white beads in her hair appears in Trevor’s dreams; the little sister he never had. Then while he’s out looking for his mom he sees her—the little girl with pink and white beads in her hair! Who is this girl? Is she real? Can she help Trevor find his mom?

Will Ruch is a teacher in the New York City public schools. He lives and works in and around the Brooklyn projects where Last Stop, Coney Island takes place. The struggles and triumphs of his students and their families inspire his work.