1976. Haverford, Maine, is a town easily overlooked. So is Robert Carter, an 8th grader who's a ready target for the class bully. That is, until the first day of school when a new kid appears: Nathan Tilly. Nathan is fearless, impetuous and obsessed with kites and flying. As Robert and Nathan become friends, they're drawn into each other's families, where they witness unexpected tragedy and learn that all families can harbour secrets.