Jonathan's world is changing.....he, his mother, and his dog Snapper are moving from one upper class area to another after his father has passed. This is just before school begins. This is a new school for Jonathan and is located in a struggling area of town. Jonathan is quite unaware of the challenges this school will bring. Being light skinned, he has to rise up above the attitudes of some of the students, several being the prominent bullies of the school.With the move, his mother, who is a doctor, has a new position at the local hospital. She too is meeting new people. Both she and Jonathan have to adjust to their new home, their new community, and the new people in their life.And Lionel. The student who always walks around with his nose in his books. A friendly face in the crowd who wants to be a buddy to Johnathan; Jonathan invites him into his life; friendship transcends obstacles; and, there is nothing like a friendship.....no matter where the friends live.