black girl named Ellery (about 12 years old) who is on her way to a piano

competition; The story starts when Elleryis in the car with her

parents and Ms. Anita, who often drives Ellery and her

parents since they don'thave a car. They live in a working-class neighbourhood. 

Ellery takes piano’lessons at the Gold Coast - the wealthy part of 

Ellery's  hometown. Between lessons, Ellery sometimes

practices on Ms. Anitas piano while her mother does Ms.

Anita's hair. Ellery enjoys playing the piano as she can  get lost in

the music.

Ms. Anita drops Ellery and her parents in front of an  elegant

synagogue, where the piano competition is taking place. Mrs.

Hamilton - Ellery's piano teacher, welcomes them and invites

Ellery to sit next to the other contestants. A girl named Cara

introduces herself to Ellery, while a pretty blond girl named Lori

gives Ellery a back-handed compliment about her hair: The

competition the starts, and one by one, the children go on

the stage to perform. Lori goes up to perform, looking prim.

Next, it is Ellery's turn to play and when she starts playing,

she focuses on remembering what Mrs. Hamilton taught her,

and gets lost in the music. When the song ends, people start

clapping before Ellery gets up to bow. Ellery sees her parents,

in the crowd, looking happy and proud. When she leaves the

stage, Mrs: Hamilton tells her that she played beautiful.

Later, while they are announcing the prizes, Cara

compliments Elory's performance but Lori just downplays it.

Lori wins the second prize and the first prize goes to Ellery.

The first place includes a trophyand a check of 500 dollar. Ellery is

more interested in the check than in the actual win.

Ellery gives the check to her parents, so they can get a car eventually. But

actually the check is a having a bond and it will not be worth

any money for a few years. Ellery is very disappointed.

After the competition Ellery and her parents are waiting for

Ms. Anita to come and pick them up. Lori and her parents,

exit the synagogue.. Lori congrats Ellery but she does not reply

even when her mother encourages her to. When Loris's family

gets into the car and starts driving away, Ellery runs after the

car, picks up cicada shells and throws them at the car

windows.