When Raymond and his parents move from Kingston, Jamaica, to Jamaica, Queens, the ambitious ten-year-old is determined to fit in. He immerses himself in American culture, but when his efforts backfire at school and classmates mistake him for a famous Jamaican American child singer, Raymond goes along with the lie—putting his new friendships at risk.

 

Feeling defeated, Raymond turns to his father, who helps him reconnect with the Jamaican traditions he loves. After they bake a Jamaican Christmas cake together, Raymond brings it to school, finds the courage to tell the truth, and begins sharing his life in Jamaica with his classmates.

 

Though some initially reject him, Raymond discovers that embracing his Jamaican heritage—and simply being himself—is the key to friendship and belonging. He teaches his classmates the meaning of "irie": everything is alright.