<P> Two years after his release from Camp Green Lake , Theodore `` Armpit '' Johnson is living in Austin , Texas trying to build a stable lifestyle by digging deep holes and caring for his neighbor Ginny McDonald , a ten - year - old girl with cerebral palsy . While working at the mayor 's home , he is approached by Rex `` X-Ray '' Washburn , one of his friends from Camp Green Lake , who wants Armpit to loan him money for a ticket scalping scheme for an upcoming concert by teen pop star Kaira Deleon . Armpit agrees , and at first the scheme seems to go as planned . </P>
where did the book small steps take place
Austin , Texas