Three young boys, Ben, a dreamer and aspiring inventor, his best friend Wolfgang, a science prodigy, and Darren, the new kid in town with a troubled background, share a passion for science fiction and space exploration. Ben experiences vivid dreams about flying through clouds and over a digital circuit board. He shares these with Wolfgang, who finds they contain a sophisticated computer blueprint. With their combined skills, they succeed in translating the dream's blueprint into a functional computer program.

Using salvaged junk and Wolfgang's scientific expertise, the trio transform the computer program into a reality. They build a spherical spacecraft they name Thunder Road, after the Bruce Springsteen song. The craft is powered by a mysterious, energy-based bubble that envelops the ship and allows them to travel through space. With their makeshift space vessel, the boys embark on an adventure greater than any of their imaginations could have conjured. Their curiosity and unadulterated enthusiasm lead them to a journey testing the limits of their friendship, bravery, and understanding of the world – and possibly worlds – beyond their own.