As Maryanne grows up during the 1940s in Philadelphia, life is far from ordinary. When she is just five years old, her mother passes away. After Maryanne's father proves to be incapable of caring for her and her siblings, she moves in and out of multiple foster homes, eventually landing in an orphanage for the duration of her childhood and adolescence. Throughout life's ups and downs, Maryanne learns to keep herself grounded, to never give up, and know in her heart that life has a way of taking the worst and making the best. Sadly, Maryanne never realizes the true meaning of family-until she meets her brother's friend, William. But will Maryanne somehow find the courage to continue onward-even after losing everything-and overcome her obstacles to begin a new chapter? In this poignant young adult novel, an orphan embarks on a coming-of-age journey where she must find a way to persevere through her challenges to realize happiness.