Trying to escape an unpleasant past, widowed Orthodox Jewish mother Miriam Akneen moves with her son Daniel into a tough neighborhood on the edge of the religious community. With no father at home, Daniel has trouble adjusting until forming an unlikely friendship with non- Jewish handyman Sam Collins, who teaches Daniel that he can command respect and hold fast to his identity at the same time. In turn, Daniel takes what he has learned and helps his Mother stand up to her own demons and bullies.—Jak Gavriel