The coming-of-age saga of young Jacob McKay, who becomes stranded with his family in the Rocky Mountains, where they are befriended by human and animal inhabitants.

Charlie Wilson is snubbed by neighbors because of her family's poverty, and her closest friend is her dog Fuzz. She tries to befreind another girl her age, but is rejected by the girl's wealthy, prejudiced mother. Alonzo, a gruff old farmer, befriends her, and when faced with a life-or-death test of their love for Alonzo, Charley and Fuzz must perform a miraculous rescue.

A young sandhill crane, Luck, finds his place in the ancient crane migration from northern Canada to the Platte River.