Upon enrolling in Claverage Middle School, Cap encounters a culture shock. The school operates on a strict merit-based system where students are sorted into different intellectual tracks, with the highly competitive honors track being the most prestigious. Eager to prove himself, Cap joins the honors track and quickly finds himself struggling to keep up with the rigors of his classes and the intense academic pressure.
As Cap navigates the demanding school environment, he grapples with the social dynamics of the school. He befriends a diverse group of students, including the popular and athletic Jake, the artistic Emilia, and the quirky Connor, who challenge his views on friendship, teamwork, and fitting in.
Meanwhile, Cap's parents continue to homeschool his younger siblings, causing additional complications and conflicts within the family. Struggling to balance the expectations of his parents with the demands of school and his desire for a normal social life, Cap begins to question his decision to join Claveraged Middle School.
Throughout the book, Korman tackles themes such as educational systems, peer pressure, and the balance between academic success and personal fulfillment. Cap's journey highlights the importance of self-discovery, embracing challenges, and finding one's place in a community, ultimately leading to a satisfying and eye-opening conclusion.