Now that his parents are divorced, teenager Andy Sadler and his mother Rose must fend for themselves in the suburban jungle of Whitestone, Queens, on the outskirts of New York City in the turbulent sixties. Andy, a shy only child, is one day ambushed by the beautiful young blond cashier at the Whitestone Bakery. He is instantly smitten by the lovely Katy Kelly, a Catholic school girl. (Andy attends the local public school.) So Andy barges into the bakery with the intent of striking up a conversation with the angel behind the register. But Johnny Vigorito, a local tough guy in a black leather jacket and a cherry red Ford Mustang, has gotten there first! Does Andy give up? Hell no!

Where does young Andy get the wisdom on how to win the heart of his girl? From the tenants in the garage apartment his mother has built to supply her and Andy with tenant income. The oddball inhabitants of the garage apartment lead Andy on a delightful coming-of-age journey through the mean streets of Queens and Long Island. So buckle up, readers, and get ready for a heartwarming adventure!