Young Jess Newby longs for an education and for a life of possibilities.  Not likely in the 1890s rural Midwest.  Jess must struggle against opposition, poverty, and tragedy.  Even so, she clings to her goals and her dream starts to come true.

When Jess enters high school, her path is a jumble of delight and adversity.  She joins in the first Labor Day celebration and becomes intrigued by the Women’s Suffrage movement.  She also confronts sexual discrimination and false accusations.  Jess’s determination triumphs over despair.  But will she have to sacrifice love to fulfill her destiny?