In this authentic semi-autobiographical romp through the old neighborhood, 15-year-old Christopher is charged with the task of representing his class through his essay in 1976 South Jamaica, in New York City. Building this assignment, he inadvertently enlists the help of Helen, a long-time, yet unfamiliar neighbor of almost the same age. They discover much about themselves and their contrary races, initially struggling to get along. For the good of the work however, the two wayfarers set off on a local adventure to locate the origin of the aromatic baked goods they were growing up with. Through a mysterious area tunnel, they locate the factory on Douglas Avenue that has been spewing the intoxicating scent for all of their short lives. Christopher is then the victim of a violent double robbery which prevents him from participating in the contest. A local police detective referred to as Sea, is certain Chris was about to be abducted because of other incidents throughout the city. During his sightless recuperation, a beautiful visit from Helen results in the two coming to appreciate one another and their love for the written word. They decide to convert the essay from the original theme of the suffocating of the breads in plastic bags at the factory, to a full-length book endeavor entitled, The Suffocations of Douglas Avenue. The new project will be a detailed account of their new passionate interracial romance, family issues, life, and a documenting of the wild investigation of the disappearances. In their black and white and sepia world, Chris becomes enamored with Cynthia, an elderly noir movie star who is also the owner of the nursing home which is at the center of the cases. Joining the team are a handicapped boy called Bugs Bunny, Christopher's older sister Corinne and Helen's non-verbal, autistic niece Abilene. The young girl speaks for the first and only time, innocently making a single prediction that will change everything. Christopher and Helen lead the reader on a fascinating exploration of the ingenuity that forces its way from inside the depths of the adolescent mind. With heart, soul, and their fondness and unique respect for one another, their instincts guide them as they strive to make their world a safer place.