Faith Tiknor, her younger sister Erin, and their father Joe move from the small town of Brownsville to the larger and more affluent town of Delwick during Faith's sophomore year. Faith has to not only start over, friendless, in a new town but also at a new school. Faith puts her best foot forward, and she is optimistic about her prospects. Unfortunately, though, some bigoted, hateful, and entitled people in her new neighborhood, exhibit actions and motives that are beyond reproach.
Chia Gregola spends long days and cold nights slaving away in her family's mine. Unable to see since she was two years old, Chia fears her sister is suffering a much worse fate while living with their stepmother, Priscilla. Convinced there is nothing she can do to help, her only comfort is her constant companion and loyal friend, Pip. Deep in her heart, she dreams of somehow freeing herself and her sister from Priscilla's grasp. It all seems unattainable in the harsh reality of her situation. Overworked, separated from her sister, and scared, how can Chia survive?
