The story is set in the summer of 1985 in a small river town in the Central Valley of Northern California. Jimmy spends his time alone, fixing bikes in his backyard shed, until a new kid, Sammy, comes to town and draws Jimmy out of his shell. One day Jimmy sees the town bully, Steve, mistreat the girl next door, Madeline, whom Jimmy has admired for years. Jimmy is encouraged by his new friend to put on his deceased father's cherished clothing, and to wear it like a uniform into battle with the bullies, creating a new sense of confidence and a new standing in his community.