
Florida and James Evans struggle to raise their kids - irrepressible artist JJ, voice-of-reason Thelma, and politically active Michael - in a Chicago housing project. They have help from wisecracking neighbors, buffoonish building superintendents and friends.

The most popular girl in high school turns J.J. into a one-woman man.

Florida promises to burst into a full-fledged hurricane unless someone can figure out what triggered the storm.

Michael protests when he is chosen to attend a better school as part of a busing program.

J.J.'s hopes to receive expensive birthday gifts are shattered when James gets a bad credit rating.