Aisha Johnson, an astute and bright student, is one of the finalists for a coveted scholarship. One day after Aisha does the right thing, her life spirals out of control and her once-promising future is in jeopardy. Aisha learns to survive, navigate life at school and on the streets of Roxbury while keeping her eyes on the prize.

Determined to study astrophysics at an Ivy League college, high-school senior Ruby faces her anxiety as it appears vividly in her dreams, prompted by a seemingly magical ugly Christmas sweater. Within this tumultuous year, Ruby experiences first love, nostalgia, the power of sisterhood, and a new path to find peace.