Life changes for a boy named Charlie Bone when he discovers that he has the ability to hear the thoughts of people in photographs. When Charlie's dislikable aunts find out about his new power, they declare that he is "one of the chosen" and as such he must attend the Bloor's Academy for Gifted Children. While at the Academy, Charlie meets the other students--all of whom also have unusual and mysterious powers. This is the first book in the Children of the Red King quintet.