Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, Skissley is the oldest child in a Nebraska farm family of modest means. Her possessions are few, but she does possess two rare and priceless gifts: talent to write and remarkable insight. Combined with her keen observations of the people, events, and magnificent nature surrounding her, the results are a unique perspective of life in mid 20th century Middle America, which Skissley captures in the pages of her beloved diaries. But being only twelve as well as inherently honest, she regularly spills the beans on the family secrets. Then too, there is that notorious river town of Rulo nearby, with the majority of its population of hangers-on comprised of eccentric and unsavory misfits. Though these characters with their questionable lifestyles live but a stone's throw from Skissley, they are worlds apart from her. Yet few will escape her scrutiny or the veracity of her pen. While it seems that Skissley is merely divulging colorful tidbits of life within her sphere, it soon becomes obvious that she is really revealing the inner workings of her own soul, because she is in fact, a true "Child of the Universe."