Ian is sure he is all alone in tackling heavy issues: failing algebra tests, trying to understand girls, relating to his parents, comprehending current world events, and unwittingly involving himself in a life-threatening situation. The problem is that nobody else seems to notice anything is wrong! Ian has no idea what to do about any of it-and he's sure that no one will understand anyway-except maybe his best friend who isn't even talking to him at the moment.

Ian soon realizes that people and situations aren't always what they appear to be. A new friend may turn out to be someone you've known all along-without ever really knowing them at all.