This book was set during the Depression and in these desperate times, there are things that people felt they had to do in order to survive and it wasn't always "right" to me so it's a little hard to fathom sometimes. 

Silstice "Silly" is a young girl of 13 whose family home burns down, her father disappears, and her mother takes her 2 young brothers while telling her daughters to find somewhere to live as she can't take care of them. It's all very sad but Edna, Silly's 4H leader takes her in, to the reluctance of her grumpy husband Vernon.

Silly is such a determined girl though and she showed how much help she can be to Edna and Vernon. There are also rumors of a child kidnapping (and worse) ring in town and these characters are going to be tested to their limits. 

At the end of this book, I really grew to love Silly, Alberta; her sister, and yes even grumpy Mr. Vernon.