Jake, Jojo, and Jamie, all 12-year-olds. Jake lives in a neighborhood controlled by violence and fear. He meets a sculptor across the street, and his eyes are opened to another world. Jojo is closer to her three dogs than to her foster family. When Jojo tries to help another girl who needs a friend, the dogs know what to do. Jamie and his older brother, Eric, are alone in the world, but Jamie's way with art and dogs helps them find a home.