Donovan Croft is sent to be fostered by Keith Chapman's family when Donovan's mother has to return to the West Indies. But the trauma of leaving his parents is too much for Donovan, and he becomes mute. He won't talk to Keith or his family, and he won't talk to the teachers at school. The combination of Donovan's silence, and the racist attitudes of both pupils and teachers at school means trouble, and it's the growing bond between Donovan and Keith which helps them all find a way to resolution.