In this variation on the Cinderella story set in the Smoky Mountains, Rose longs to go to the party given by the rich feller on the other side of the creek and receives assistance from an unlikely fairy godmother.
Melvin discovers that the public library is the place where he can find just about anything--including three librarians who help in his quest for knowledge.
Ruby Jane thinks that her sister Velma Jean is the bravest person in her family, but when a tornado comes, Ruby Jane shows that she is very brave herself.