In Odessa, Texas, in 1927, eleven-year-old James is dealing with his family's streak of misfortunes, battling a school bully, and searching for his purpose in life when a family secret changes everything. Includes author's note.

In a series of journal entries and letters to a pen pal, Katie relates her feelings about her father's death in World War II, her mother's remarriage, and the family's move from New York City to Texas.