The four Cole boys suffer abuse at the hands of an alcoholic father, while largely being left to their own devices by a heartbroken and overworked mother. Their adventures on their island home have become a welcome escape, and one of the only things in life the boys can truly rely on. Jessie, the youngest and a dreamer, becomes enamored with US plans for manned space flight and its race to the moon, stirring his own dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. In a strange twist of fate, it is the space program and the momentum it gains that abruptly brings their beloved island life to an end. The family is forced to move to the city and start anew.

Life in town creates new challenges, including frequent fistfights with the school's hardened bully, Alan Welty, the families worsening finances and the looming threat of Vietnam and the military draft for Max. All is not lost as Jessie finds support and encouragement from a teacher, Mr. Smith, who becomes his mentor.

An unexpected chain of events causes their estranged father to rethink his ways, professing a deep-hearted change. The family wants to believe him, but is it for real this time? Will Max, the eldest, ever be able to forgive his father for the years of abuse... and does Jessie find a way to connect with the father he hardly wants to know? The family’s road to healing lies in the balance.