As a young teenager suffering from really early male-pattern baldness, Harold has never had it easy. Despite the efforts of his scattered mother -- and aggravated by his beauty-queen-mean sister - life is a trial for Harold.

And now his teen angst is topping out: He's facing his first day at a new high school in a new town. He's not only going to be the "new kid," but the "new weird bald kid."

Day one turns out to be even worse than he expected. Right off he comes face-to-face with the school bully, and learns very quickly that the new school's teachers are barely more sympathetic or supportive than his bullying nemesis. Harold's saving grace arrives in the person of Cromer, the subversive school janitor, who knows and cares far more about the students than any teacher or administrator.

With a cleverness hidden behind his unassuming janitor's uniform, broom and bucket, Cromer comes to Harold's aid, teaching him how to out maneuver his adversaries, and, ultimately, how to survive that most difficult and dreaded American institution - High School.