Autumn Dawn is sick of being bullied at school. It's not her fault that she doesn't learn as fast as the other kids or that she speaks a little differently. Her home life isn't much better. Ever since Autumn's dad left, her mother can't cope, so Autumn has to care for her baby brother and do all the housework. Her mother hasn't even noticed the problems her daughter is dealing with. When Autumn's Ojibwa aunt comes to visit, she recognizes Autumn's dyslexia and speech problems. Can Aunt Jessie build a bridge between mother and daughter and give Autumn the confidence she needs to move past her challenges?

After a school year of dealing with personal issues, Autumn Dawn is happy summer is finally here. Autumn plans on visiting her aunt Jessie in Minneapolis before heading back home for the class she needs to attend in order to pass to the next grade. On the first day of class, Autumn finds herself face-to-face with Sydney, the bully who thinks it is fun to pick on her. What could be worse? They are paired together and will be tutoring each other! Between dealing with Sydney and trying not to notice the new guy in school, who has definitely noticed her, Autumn struggles to accept and embrace the fresh challenges she faces as she learns to believe in herself.

Autumn Dawn has learned to deal with her dyslexia and her life is starting to look better, but a horrible accident threatens to change everything. When her mother and brother are crossing a street, they are accidentally hit by a car. Autumn's little brother is okay, but her mother ends up in intensive care. Autumn's father, who had walked away from his family a while ago, leaving them to fend for themselves, is now back in their lives and trying to make amends. When Autumn's mom is released from the hospital, she still needs help, so Autumn's dad moves back home. Can Autumn ever forgive her father for leaving his family in the first place, or will she continue to be angry and resentful? Is it possible for her to trust any man, including her devoted boyfriend?