Lalo is a little boy who lives in an orphanage and dreams of singing in the choir of the church. His companions make fun of him and beat him, so he is unjustly punished afterwards. Very soon, everyone will discover in him an extraordinary change of direction in his life.

Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.