Ten-year-old Birdie Boyer can hardly wait to start picking the strawberries. Her family has just moved to the Florida backwoods, and they haven't even begun their planting. Making the new farm prosper won't be easy--what with the heat, the droughts, the cold snaps and the neighbors.

After Tacy Kelly moves into the house across the street from Betsy Ray, the five-year-olds become inseparable friends.

After working, playing, and resting during the week, the congenial Small family goes to church on Sunday and takes a ride in the car.

Jim Drummond and his family want a piece of land of their very own and the security that comes with it. Travelling as a migrant farm workers brings daughter Judy in contact with lots of people of different walks of life, color, and beliefs.

The further adventures of 12-year-old Betsy, Tacy, and Tib as they explore the world beyond their neighborhood and discover the public library, see a real play, and make friends with the owners of the downtown hotel.