[1] Though written at a middle-school reading level, this book is also suitable for high school readers due to high-interest subject matter.

When Georgie is placed in a Catholic boys' boarding school, he is convinced that his rosebush belongs in the garden of the neighbors across the road.

The next morning, however, the infuriated neighbor, Molly Harper, rips the bush out of her garden and returns it to the school, demanding to see the principal.

As Georgie recovers, he forms a friendship with Timothy, whom Sister Mary Angela calls her "public relations" boy.

Timothy explains that Mrs. Harper's husband and elder son, Paul, were recently killed in a car accident.

When Sister Mary Angela holds auditions for the choir, Georgie is proud to find he is a good singer with perfect pitch.

When Mrs. Harper, despite struggling with her grief, brings Robin to the chapel to hear the choir, Georgie begins to feel sympathy for her.