It is the early 1980's. The nice suburban North Bronx neighborhood of Baychester inches downward. Its courage and self-pride wane. Burglaries and gang activity increase. Murders, unintentional or plotted, are up. The police who care are discouraged. Crack-cocaine proliferates, particularly among the young.

But the neighborhood is "D'N'D" (deaf and dumb), minding its own business and keeping its collective mouth shut. Avoiding retaliation. Avoiding its own conscience.

One ninth grader ignores the rule and loses his life.

Hollis Gault, an eighth grader--formerly D'N'D--surprises even...