Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories-stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia's mother forces her to pretend she's not Native at all-even to Mr. Ward, Ma's new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia's irritating new stepbrother. Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings-all five of them-are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?