The narrative consists of 15 short chapters (sketches) about the life of a boy with a disability, starting from his 5th year and ending with his completion of the 8th grade (time period: 1939-1950). Each sketch tells at least one episode from the life of the growing Fritzchen and his almost normal childhood. In "Legs," for example, little Fritz wants to understand why his legs don't work like those of the other children. His attempt to sneak a peek at Sigi goes awry: But if he had asked him beforehand, he would surely have received a firm "No." The world is full of misunderstandings. In "Adventure," Fritzchen tries to run away. In a moment of being unobserved, he marches from the garden in front of the city, using only two sticks for support, back home. Just before reaching his destination, he is caught by his panicking mother searching for him: His pride.