is the kid who stole the radio out of the red convertible before they could get to it. His neighbor, Mrs. Morris, declares him a first-class nuisance. His mother is bewildered -- "He's just gone bad, that's all.... Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." But all the sensitivity, responsibility, and care of which ten-year-old J.T. Gamble is capable emerges when he finds an old, one-eyed, badly hurt alley cat. J.T. takes on a new dimension as he lavishes all the love he is unable to express to people around him on the battered cat he has found in the junk-filled empty lot.

    His head was up, his eyes flashed and his hoofs spurned the earth as if he wanted to be airborne. A thrill ran down Sally's spine - she tingled to her fingertips. A flush of excitement was in her cheeks as she asked, 'Can I try him?' From the moment he first sees her ride, Mr. Jameson knows Sally has the courage and spirit to do Phantom justice. The big, high-strung gray Thoroughbred is too much horse for most riders, but Sally and Phantom seem to understand one another...

    But his friend Chuckie knows Jim isn't a coward. With Chuckie's special courage as an example, can Jim find the strength to face his fears head-on?