As her family gathers for the wedding of her sister Anna, fourth-grader Cassie Witting sees the many changes brought about by everyday life and finds comfort in the love of those around her, especially her grandfather.

Edward is one of a large and close family that loves baseball, music, books, and each other, and when he unexpectedly dies and his parents donate his organs, his wonderful eyes go to a perfect recipient.

Arriving on the American prairie in the hope of making a new home, Nora, a little girl from Russia, struggles with loneliness until Papa brings her a dozen chicks and two geese who follow Nora everywhere she goes.