The mother of thirteen year-old Andrew passed away three days ago, leaving him under the care of his stepfather, who is not a cruel man but an uncaring and non-understanding one. Andrew's mother was his ideal guide in a world that has been less than hospitable to their poor and broken family. His inability to bring his mother back - which he thought he could do by fixing her beloved radio - coupled with being ashamed of the family's poverty, which in turn results in ridicule by his classmates, leads Andrew to rebel against the world around him. Any hope of Andrew getting over this traumatic period in his life will depend on the caring of individuals who understand what he is going through, these people who include the school counselor and a psychologist.