Thirteen-year-old Cassy loses her family to an accident in Detroit. Her Aunt Pat lives on a sheep ranch in eastern New Mexico, and Cassy goes to live with her. The change is rough and Cassy has a difficult time with all her aunt's friends, including Buzz who is 16. She calls them hicks. But another accident brings a new understanding for Cassy and Buzz. And things aren't so bad after all.
