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, "How could life just go on? How could the world look so beautiful?" 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.