It is the era of the Great Depression and apple picking season is coming to an end. Fifteen-year-old James Lemley and his family works tirelessly from sun-up until dinnertime picking as many apples as they can to earn a small wage, afford food and save up enough money for when it comes time to move on. But where will they end up next? When every year is a different location, a different farm, the Burchett farm is their only constant. Unfortunately, James is seriously injured, disallowing him to contribute to the family income. Is the Lemley family doomed to a life of continued poverty or will their luck soon turn around?