The book is based on a group of students who are isolated by their school due to issues that make them unteachable. However, Zachary Kermit, a teacher who is considered incompetent, is a hero to the students. Mr. Kermit has never known peace for over twenty years. Dr. Thaddeus, the superintendent of Greenwich middle school, despises Mr. Kermit. Jake Terranova, a rich businessman was once a student at Greenwich. He was Mr. Kermit’s student. One day, he stole a marking scheme for a national aptitude test drawing the attention of the press. The scandal ruined Dr. Thaddeus' reputation and from that day he loathes Mr. Kermit.
Almost a year and a half to retirement, Mr. Kermit is assigned the class of unteachables. Dr. Thaddeus is eager to ensure Mr. Kermit is dismissed. When Mr. Kermit is given the class of unteachables, he is unmoved and only goes there with his cup of coffee to play crossword puzzles. The perceived unteachable students admire Mr. Kermit. With the help of Kiana Roubin, the students start working hard and Mr. Kermit becomes active in class. Dr. Thaddeus plans to use a rule in the District handbook to punish Mr. Kermit. The rule gives heads of schools the mandate to interdict any teacher whose class performs poorly.
The unteachable students are given science aptitude exams but do not perform well. Dr. Thaddeus gets a reason to dismiss Mr. Kermit. However, the students decide to participate in the science fair to add their points. The concept works well and Dr. Thaddeus is pressurized by the people and media to reinstate Mr. Kermit. The story makes the audience get insight into how students who are considered failures can achieve success.
