Maks Geless, the novel’s protagonist, dropped out of school to sell newspapers as to help support his immigrant family. He works hard daily to bring home a few coins while staring down the threats of urban life at the turn of the 20th century. Compounding his stress are Bruno and his gang of Plug Uglies, who terrorize Maks and the other newsies, stealing their money and papers and sometimes causing bodily harm.

Despite his bold exterior, Maks is kind and sensitive, and he longs for a quiet, contented life for his Danish family. He acknowledges his plight as a lower-class working immigrant but finds delight in the diversity of his community. He does not see color or class, just the tenacity of his neighbors, whether they are selling fruit or making brooms. Maks’s life is changed dramatically in one afternoon as he meets Willa, an orphan who saves his life from Bruno, and as he discovers his sister is in prison. He swiftly takes his place as the leader of his household as his parents struggle to make sense of the situation. He harnesses his power as a newsie and in his new ally, Willa, to help Emma escape conviction and deportation.