A young boy runs away from home to visit his older brother in the city, and, becoming worried about his brother, decides to stay in Vancouver with him.

A young black boy lives with his parents and older brother in Harlem. Though his older brother will tell their parents they are going to the movies together, he often ditches his younger brother to hang out with his friends. Meanwhile, the younger boy explores New York City and its subway, and learns about the racism around him.

After their father threatens to move back home upon his release from prison, two brothers travel towards the Treasure State, robbing the dead along the way.