Flik Royale, a sullen middle-schooler from Atlanta, is sent to spend the summer in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse. Used to a more secular lifestyle, Flik struggles to adjust to the culture of his new environment, characterized by strong community ties and vibrant church activities. His reliance on his iPad as a means to escape isolation contrasts sharply with Bishop Enoch's devout lifestyle and fervent mission to convert Flik to Christianity. The tension between them underscores broader themes of generational conflict and spiritual identity.

As the summer progresses, Flik forms an unexpected friendship with Chazz Morningstar, a precocious local girl with her own perspective on their neighborhood. This budding relationship helps Flik to navigate the challenges of blending in while also maintaining his individuality. However, as Flik becomes more entrenched in the local community, secrets from Bishop Enoch's past begin to surface, adding complexity to their already strained relationship. These revelations force Flik to confront difficult truths and re-evaluate his perceptions of faith, family, and forgiveness.