Tonya

A young girl growing up in Atlantic City, where dreams usually do not exist and much hidden talent rarely blooms, defies poverty and day to day survival. Tonya is a fourth grader who has the gift of story telling. Story telling is a way for Tonya to escape the realities of her life. A life where her mother works long hours and is seldom around, thus leaving her to provide her younger brothers and sister with family support that is otherwise non-existent, and a friend who lives with an abusive father and a mother who lives in fear. Despite all this, there is one person who believes in Tonya.....her teacher, Miss Cartwright. She notices Tonya's special ability and encourages her to advance it.