The only rental home on Pepper Street is taken by a family consisting of a rarely seen single mother and her two daughters, who instantly become objects of suspicion.

The older daughter Beverley appears to be developmentally disabled, while the younger girl, Frederica, cares for both her ill mother and her sister.

Virginia Donald, the most popular girl on Pepper Street, learns that Beverley often possesses large amounts of money.

Virginia and her friend Mary begin to take advantage of Beverley, convincing her to buy them gifts while secretly mocking her.

The story ends with the wall's destruction, leaving insular Pepper Street exposed to the rest of the world.