Sixth grader June Yang and her Chinese American family move into a homeless shelter after her father's death. Resident Tyrell, who also is in sixth grade, offers to show June the ropes, since he's lived there for three years and thinks being there is much better than living alone with his unreliable mother. June is devastated to learn she isn't allowed to play her viola, the instrument her father purchased for her from his tip money, but learns that Tyrell also has a love of classical music and together they listen to a mysterious neighbor practice their violin in the evenings. When the pair hear their families may be forced out of the shelter, they decide to take action to save their home.