The year 1919 ended in tragedy for young Corey James. Her life is shattered when a car crash takes the lives of her beloved parents and she is forced to live with relatives she has never met before. Her aunt is verbally and physically abusive, until Corey has no recourse but to run away.

Disguised as a boy and, with the help of an old hobo, she begins a journey that takes her on a series of perilous and heartwarming adventures. As they ride the rails together, Andy Curruthers helps restore Corey's self-esteem, teaches her about life, and helps form the woman she will become.