Fifteen-year-old "Marsh" Mellow thinks  the whole world hates him. Then he meets Edna  Shinglebox, a classmate who looks as freaky and  depressed as he is. Even though Marsh writes hate  letters, carries around a raccoon in his coat pocket,  and insults Edna constantly, Edna still likes him.  After embarking on an incredible adventure that  takes them halfway across the country, Edna and Marsh  are surprised by what they learn about themselves  and each other.