Norris Kaplan is clever, cynical, and quite possibly too smart for his own good. As a Black French Canadian transplanted to Austin, Texas, he expects the worst from his new high school. Rather than trying to make friends, he amuses himself by sorting his classmates into sitcom stereotypes—the Jocks, the Cheerleaders, and the Manic Pixie Dream Girl—counting down the days until he can return to Canada.

Against all odds, those caricatures become real people. There is Liam, a loner determined to befriend him; Madison, a suspiciously nice cheerleader; and Aarti, who might actually be a genuine love interest. When Norris royally derails everything on prom night, he must finally drop his snarky defenses and fight for the people who have found a place in his heart.