Nine-year-old Joey Sexton, living in the Bronx in 1947, is orphaned after the death of his mother. When his aunt welcomes him into her home, the rest of the family and their neighbors aren't as accepting of Joey's bi-racial heritage. Inspired by Jackie Robinson, Joey learns how to shake off the taunts of the neighborhood bullies, grains an appreciation for his Jewish heritage, and builds a loving and respectful relationship with his grandfather.