In 1926, nine-year-old Darby Carmichael stirs up trouble in Marlboro County, South Carolina, when she writes a story for the local newspaper promoting racial equality.
After hearing what he believes are other peoples' thoughts, high school sophomore Penn learns that he may have schizophrenia and makes some important decisions about how to live his life.
Since his father's disappearance and his move from a safe neighborhood, eleven-year-old Sam gets help from his new school's janitor and other adult friends in dealing with frightening new experiences.