Three things happen to Keno Deane in 1959, the year she turns twelve: her mom gets married, she gets her period, and her new friend Teensie Henderson gets into big, big trouble. When she stumbles onto Teensie's dilemma, and is sworn to secrecy, Keno's own life is turned upside down. Keno promised to keep Teensie's secret, though, and she constantly has to remind herself: "A promise is a promise, no matter how small." But some secrets are way too big to carry alone, no matter how old, or young, you are.