When a teenager goes out of control in an Irish school both teachers and pupils are affected. Ted and Linda are close to retirement. Ellen, a young substitute, experiences a roller coaster of events during her two terms at Mary Mac. It is up to Linda in the end to find a resolution whilst dealing with problems in her personal life. The novel is set against a backdrop of cuts and reform by the Department of Education and visits the themes of bullying and racism as well as exploring the concepts of forgiveness and friendship.