There is an odd message flying from the flagpole at Park View Middle School and suddenly the students are looking closely at one another. Who could have done it? When a second message is found, everyone is curious and concerned. Popular teacher, Mr. Lehman, wants to use this as a focal point for teaching his eighth grade students something about each other. They think it is just another one of his goofy assignments but, what can they do but go along? Mr. Lehman wants to convince them that everything they say and do has the potential to help or harm and that by simply being kind, they can help lead the world along a better path. To his students, it sounds delusional. They shake their heads in bewilderment and reluctantly take on the challenge. As they navigate the homework gauntlet together, old friendships are tested and new ones are formed. Secrets are uncovered and assumptions are shattered. The kids discover each other's weaknesses and have to face that they each have flaws of their own to mend. Frankie is insecure like never before and she knows that her attitude needs some major adjustments, and that she has a short fuse. Emerson is desperate for friendship, but he has a huge secret that he hides behind facts, figures and a serious face. All of his book smarts can't keep him from making some bad decisions that come back to haunt him. Alberto refuses to accept the limitations of his wheelchair and constantly challenges the expectations of his friends. Will discovers that he can be prejudiced about somebody without actually being prejudiced against him, and that judging people fairly is a difficult task. Was their favorite teacher putting roadblocks in front of them, or stepping-stones? Either way, the group finds both friends and enemies in the least likely places.
