In the coastal town of Ruby Canyon, twelve-year-old Henry Luke is navigating the turbulent waters of seventh grade - from the complexities of talking to girls, to the universal struggle against acne and the pressure of following in his basketball-legend-father's footsteps. However, Henry's concerns go beyond the typical adolescent hurdles, as he grapples with his beloved grandmother's ailing health and his identity as a Black boy.
Fortunately, Henry has a steadfast companion in his lifelong best friend, Davion. Together, the boys navigate the trials and tribulations of tweenhood, spending their free time racing paper boats, battling neighborhood bullies and biking between Henry's affluent neighborhood and the low-income apartments where Davion resides.
When Henry uncovers a nefarious scheme to demolish Davion's apartment complex, making way for an upscale development, he is forced to look beyond his sheltered upbringing. But when Carl Porter, Board President's plot leads to a tragic death that shakes Ruby Canyon, will Henry be forced into silence by the dangers that come with being a Black boy? Or will he, along with his friends, find a way to fight back to get Carl Porter out as president?