It is the fall of 1930, the beginning of the great depression. Thirteen-year-old Minty Sparkes is already aware that she has a large responsibility for her family's well being, for although she loves her poetry-quoting father, both he and she realize that his verses and charm will not feed or house them and Eggs, Minty's younger sister.

How the Sparkes family manage during this penniless winter—and the unusual experiences they have—make a story that young girls will read with understanding, sympathy, and delight. A double-surprise ending adds to the reader's pleasure, and the handsome drawings by Fermin Rocker capture the feeling of the characters and the locale.

From the dust jacket