This novel for youth describes the world and experiences of a group of poor inner city junior high school students and their teacher. The students are all in a remedial classroom designed to meet their special needs and led by a dedicated teacher nick-named "Harp On". The central character Frankie describes their school year and particularly the central caring role played by their teacher. During that year the class learns to play chess and goes on field trips that expose them to the world beyond their poverty-stricken neighborhood. The story also treats the students' attempts to return to regular classrooms after time in the remedial class. The novel is based on the experiences of an inner-city teacher. (JB)