Sixteen-year-old Nick Pope was born with prominent birthmarks around both of his eyes and faces teasing and bullying from both classmates and strangers. He also struggles with depression and confusion about his sexual orientation. Nick finds refuge and release in drawing, and gains tentative confidence that his artistic abilities are worth nurturing and developing. His family moves across the city and he begins his sophomore year at a brand-new high school. On the advice of his ex-therapist, he starts writing and illustrating a diary that tracks his day-to-day adventures at school, at home with his family of two working parents and a precocious little brother, and his burgeoning friendships with fellow outsiders Sharita and Preston. Beginning in late August 1987, this illustrated diary tracks three months of Nick's life, including his euphoric ups and painful downs.