In 1906, sixteen-year-old Mattie, determined to attend college and be a writer against the wishes of her father and fiance, takes a job at a summer inn where she discovers the truth about the death of a guest. Based on a true story.

While trying to earn money for a motor bike, fourteen-year-old Joe Pederson becomes involved with the Mexicans who work on his family's farm and develops a better relationship with his father.

Caroline knows that in order to fight the British, her village desperately needs its shipyards and supply boats and she will do whatever it takes to keep them out of enemy hands, then later, while helping on her uncle's farm, Caroline discovers that the war brings dangers there, too.

Helen wants to contribute to the war effort after the United States goes to war in 1917--so she joins the Women's Land Army of America, an organization that trains women to do farm work, replacing the workers drafted into the army.