This novel is based on the true story of my first year as a teacher in Northwest Indiana. I accepted a job in the region without understanding the challenges of being alone in an unfamiliar urban area while trying to start a new career with little experience, uncooperative students and a cantankerous custodian. When a Flower grows in the Street is my attempt to show through humor and tears how I have grown to love the Region of Northwest Indiana and my job with help from my co-workers, friends and my own stubborn determination.