September 1924, the coast of Maine is bright with color. Along the Bagaduce River in Sedgwick, Maine, orange, red, and yellow trees sparkle among the evergreens. Ten-year-old Helen Elizabeth Gray wonders, "e;How could life just go on? How could the world look so beautiful?"e;Mama has died. Perla, the oldest daughter has come home from Normal School in Castine to help Pa with the children. Perla believes children should be raised with a firm hand. Helen is a tomboy and wants to stay that way for the rest of her life. She goes to hunting camp, skins furs, and many other unlady-like adventures. Helen and Perla are at odds with each other. Until an accident changes their perspective of each other.