Abigail is forced at 16 to leave school because she is considered unteachable. Thanks to Mrs. Wesley, a neighbor who sees beyond Abigail's failure at school, we have a vivid down to earth diary of Abigail's life.

"You have excellent recall, Abigail.... You are studying grammar, spelling, and word choice, but I am studying you. You are not simple at all, but very complex. I have understood for some time that you listen almost exclusively to yourself, while silently taking in a great deal of understanding. I believe that your intense drive to write is a way to release thoughts - of getting out of yourself, because for you talking is not enough. It's like you invented your own way to get out of your vernacular prison."

It is the story of family life on the farm, love and loss, and her growing thirst for knowledge. The observation of prejudice and injustice where she lives, in a sundown town, determines her life's commitment. Overcoming personal hurdles, Abigail fulfills her dream to become a teacher and librarian in a black community, to do her part in the struggle to see the sundown of inequality in our society.