Regina Louise, an abandoned black child, is placed in a home where she demonstrates anger issues. Jeanne Kerr, a white counselor, empathizes with her and they form a bond which leads to a petition for adoption. The director of the home, a black woman, informs the counselor that she will fight the petition believing that a black child could not be raised by a white woman. The judge agrees. Regina is sent to a private institution and Jeanne’s attempts to communicate with her are hindered.

When Regina comes of age, the institution releases her, with no financial or other support; however, they turn over all of Jeanne’s letters which were held from her. Regina pursues an education and begins a search for the woman she always thought of as her mother.