Thirteen-year-old Jacob's life is hard in 1920s Poland, where he lives in an orphanage for Jewish children. His days are brightened by playing in the orphanage mandolin orchestra. When an American benefactor arrives with the promise of a new life in Canada at a farm school, Jacob and his friends are thrilled. But can they trust this man to keep his promises?

The children travel by train and by ship, facing illness and prejudice along the way. where a stowaway becomes dangerously sick. Jacob, who has become the orchestra's star player, must overcome his fears and doubts to help his friends and to fulfill his dream to one day play at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. Inspired by real events.