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Becky lives with her parents, Warren and Joanne Raines, and her siblings, David, Jeff, and Robin. Warren is the Reverend at Wakely Methodist Church. During this time in America, the civil rights movement is taking place. Amidst this turmoil, Becky, David, Jeff, and Robin befriend two Black children, Michael and Mildred. Although Michael and Mildred don't go to the same school as their new friends due to segregation, their father works at Becky's school. Becky and her siblings invite Michael and Mildred to church, and they attend a service together. This experience encourages them to join Vacation Bible School with their cousins. However, many people in the congregation are unhappy to see Black individuals at their church and express a desire to leave. This poses a challenge, as the church could face significant financial difficulties without the support of its largest donors.
In her book, McLain comprehensively examines the themes of interracial friendships and the fear of the "other." The author articulates how individuals frequently exhibit reluctance to engage in friendships with those of different races due to entrenched prejudices, while others demonstrate a greater willingness to form connections across racial boundaries. Furthermore, McLain provides essential historical context, enabling readers to achieve a thorough understanding of the narrative. The integration of contextual events within the story serves as a critical guide for readers in navigating its complexities. In addition, she delivers in-depth explanations of significant historical occurrences, thereby ensuring readers grasp both the narrative and its embedded historical significance. McLain directly addresses issues of discrimination and racism, while also exploring the emotional responses of the characters concerning these matters. This approach fosters a deeper connection between the readers and the characters within the narrative.
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