"He is the biggest jerk I know!' exclaimed Jimmy" in the novel, Launching. Jimmy Merritt refers to John Charles Abbott, a socially and economically challenged kid from across town, whose sole existence seems to be to annoy Jimmy Merritt and his friends. Readers will be drawn into the story of Jimmy, Bouie, Roz, and ML, and how they contend with antagonist John Charles Abbott, whose instinct enables him to tap the weak spots in each of the principal characters. The youngsters know that Abbott has a short fuse. Jimmy's quest is to befriend him, though Abbott's intimidation frightens and stifles him. As a backdrop to the novel, Launching uses the legacy of the late 1950's: the race for space, as well as, issues of racial change in a small community in the south. The specter of John Charles Abbott evolves into a wider, deeper consideration of the treatment of others regardless of gender, race, or outlook. A summer escapade, a science project, and a love affair, each contribute to a conclusion that leaves the young people facing an uncertain, yet challenging, future. Launching continues a story begun in Meyer's earlier book, Slow Slow-Quick, Quick (2001, 1stBooks).