Fifteen-year-old Marshall Álvarez seeks the antidote to his problems from a highly-organized, secret gambling club within his high school. Here, students take part in poker games, sports betting, and other forms of gambling.

Despite coming from a low-income family living in a slummy apartment, Marshall attends a high school in a rich neighborhood. He feels out of place and is desperate for change in his social life. Trevor and his best friend Josh and other classmates are set on treating Marshall as inferior. Along with that, Marshall finds out that his grandmother has cancer, but his family doesn't have enough money to pay for the treatment. Marshall struggles to come up with ways to help make the needed $10,000 until he comes across a mysterious gambling club within his high school.

He must push past Trevor's bullying, his alcoholic mom, and feeling depressed form the doubt he receives. Otherwise, he will fail to save his grandma and fail to prove himself. Can he do what most think he can't? Or will he fail as they expect him to?

The Cards That Are Dealt is a young adult book about perseverance during difficult times and proving self-worth to doubters. The story shows readers the hardships of being an isolated individual, especially in high school. You will enjoy this drama filled, unforgettable novel that teaches you that a person's only limitation is what they are willing to do to achieve their goals.

Content Warning: domestic violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, bullying, cancer