Tommy is severely dyslexic, often bullied and a loner. His dad has left, and he feels deserted. Mum is just about coping with baby Aileen. The family is on the edge, and there is no support from school. Tommy happens to see the ceremony at the village war memorial on Remembrance Sunday, and he becomes fascinated with it, making friends with Jack, one of the veterans. He finds his own name on the memorial - Thomas Cameron - and feels an affinity he doesn't understand. Jack, who has only been visiting, has to leave, and once again Tommy feels deserted. When vandals paint the memorial, Tommy cleans it with the help of a new friend. In the end, Jack returns, and there is hope that Tommy will learn to read. Poignant and moving with good black and white illustrations.