A coming-of-age true story presents the life of a boy traumatized by failure in school, living with dysfunctional relatives and divorcing parents. Miss. Williams, a fifth grade teacher, empowers him with the self-confidence he uses to succeed in life. Her last words to him were, "Someday you'll thank me." His adventures are filled with unexpected events that come together with startling life- changing consequences such as the young girl selling balloons at the zoo who changes his life forever.