When German prisoners of war are brought to her Arkansas town during World War II, twelve-year-old Patty, a Jewish girl, befriends one of them and must deal with the consequences of that friendship.

Beth Lambert thinks Philip Hall is the cutest, smartest boy in sixth grade. She and Philip are good friends, but Mama thinks Philip invites Beth over to his farm just to do his chores for him. Mama says he only hangs out with her when his other friends aren't around. Beth hasn't minded that Philip gets the best grades in the class, since he means so much to her. But now she wants to study to be a veterinarian, so she's gone to the head of the class....