The book is basically a flash back to a time when great-grandma Annie lived.  She tells the story of she and her family, growing up on a farm in Oklahoma in the 1930's.  She tells of the hardships they endured when the land dried up and the dust was everywhere.  Throughout the story, she must be strong as her mother dies, the farm is not producing crops and her house burns down.  Through all of this, Annie is strong and very helpful to her father and sister.  She is a positive thinker and never gives.  The people of the town that she lives in pitch in to help buy Annie's family a new house.  This is where the story ends, but not without some inspiring words from Annie's mom, who now is an angel in the sky.  Throughout the story, Annie talks of how her mother is always looking down on the family and watching to be sure they are safe and happy.  At the end of the book, there is an author's note that says that the story is based on a true story.  The note also gives a short synopsis of the Dust Bowl and what occured during that time.