Set in 1963, 'Stepping Between The Ants' Book FOUR: The Fall Behind, is a continued collection of stories that follow two boys; Skipper and Richie, that try to figure out what life is all about.
The story about Skipper and Richie with their mother, (Mother Bean) and their younger brother Charlie and their younger sister Mary, travel on a bus; running away and arrive in Portland Oregon where Mother Bean's mother; Grandma Scarbrough lives.
This story documents some of the continued adventures and challenges that Skipper and his brother Richie encounter in their new surroundings, which include;
Having to go to a public school after having always attended Catholic schools
Skipper and Richie find their own special place to be, eventually to be placed up in Grandma Scarbrough's attic, where, for the first time in their lives they feel a sense of well-being and safety.
Skipper and Richie find new friends from their new school who help educate them to their new surroundings and help them to acclimate their bearings.
Skipper and Richie find and join a Boy Scout Troop with their new friends where they can continue their quest to become Eagle Scouts.
Within this coming-of-age story, Skipper and Richie will have to face their own predetermined notions of what the awful label, 'Retarded' really means before they can fight the injustices and begin to truly understand, and to find the courage and strength to support and champion their newly found, life-changing friendships.
