When Michele arrives at his new school, crossing snow-covered mountains populated by wolves, he discovers that he will have to teach a multi-grade class of only seven children in first, third and fifth grade. He soon discovers that the headmaster of the comprehensive school in a larger town has every interest in seeing the school in Rupe close its doors, as the fifth-year pupils will be leaving and a minimum number of students is required to prevent the small group from being merged with the larger school. It will be up to Mr Cortese and the deputy headmistress Agnese, together with the school staff, the children and the inhabitants of Rupe, to try to save their educational institution with a truly daring ploy.