When his parents send him to summer camp for the first time, Ethan has just three modest goals. First, to survive. Second, not to be hated. Third, not to be the worst at anything. But these goals turn out to be relatively easy to achieve. He doesn't even mind when his cabin mates nickname him Pinky (after the color of his blanket).

Instead, his real challenge comes in the form of a new cabin mate. Zachary arrives at camp late, surrounded by a cloud of rumors (Did he actually steal a car at his last camp?), and Ethan finds himself intrigued and somehow envious of the new arrival. Zach loves the music of an ancient rock and roll singer called Buddy Holly, and he doesn't even seem upset when he is forced to miss the Big Swim, the legendary camp event where a select few try to swim across the lake and back. Most of all, Zach doesn't seem to care what anybody thinks of him.