Twelve-year-old Davida Kincaid, one of eighteen children in the family, attempts to escape her impoverished living conditions and adult responsibilities as the eldest child at home after the family breakdown. Experiences with abusive relationships such as sibling rivalry, peer pressure, domestic violence, and segregation in Columbia, South Carolina during the 1960s, make her wonder if a happy home is a myth or a reality. The quest for truth leads to an appreciation for her single-parent mother, dedicated teachers, and strong faith in God.