Albert, a loner who spends most of his time in the high school library, is obsessed with the beautiful and bright but tormented Cara (who the other kids call "Scara" because of her scarred arms). When the school authorities decide Scara is a danger to herself and have her committed to a hospital, Albert enlists the help of the rebellious kids Scara hangs with to rescue her from her fate. But can they hope to triumph over the adult world?