Five boys from Napa, California, are doing their best to make it through middle school. This group of Grape Field Middle School misfits includes Blake the Snake Sloan, Jeff the Nose McCoy, Billy the Mackster Mack, Sy Slo-Mo Wilcox, and Wesley Tex Strait. Together, they get in and out of trouble, dealing with both school and romance.

Blake develops a crush on Rose, but he doesnt know how to talk to a girl. Shes not like his buddies, and its going to take an awful lot of work to charm her. Meanwhile, the boys get caught up in adventures, including a scary overnighter to Texs parents ranch and some dangerous neighborhood shenanigans.

Blake realizes over the course of his relationship with Rose that his friends can both help him and hinder him. Even so, girls may come and go, but true friends are forever. Middle school might not be big enough for Blake and his buds, but the boys arent big enough for the real worldnot yet, but they will be someday!