Final answer:
In 'Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie,' Jeffrey is in the hospital due to a leukemia diagnosis, affecting his family's dynamics and challenging his brother Steven.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick, the character Steven's younger brother Jeffrey is in the hospital because he is diagnosed with leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The story follows Steven's perspective as he navigates through his family's emotional turmoil and the changes that Jeffrey's illness brings to their lives. Steven must deal with his own personal struggles, as well as support his family during this difficult time.