Fatima Ptacek

A man who’s hit rock bottom takes his estranged sister’s straight-laced 11-year-old daughter on a thrilling, madcap odyssey through New York City.

At 16, Abby feels trapped in her small coastal town until she falls for a rock band’s lead singer, sparking a journey of self-discovery.

Maxine, a young girl who is ostracized at her new school, befriends a grizzled chess player. Through teaching Maxine the game, the feisty old man gives her the courage to stand up for herself and persevere through life’s challenges.