The year 1919 ended in tragedy for young Corey James. Her life is shattered when a car crash kills her parents and she is forced to live with relatives she has never seen before. Her aunt is verbally and physically abusive until Corey has no recourse but to run away. Disguised as a boy and with the help of an old hobo, Andy Curruthers, she begins a journey that takes her on a series of adventures, both perilous and heartwarming. As they ride they rails together, Andy helps restore Corey's self-esteem, teaches her about life, and helps form the woman she becomes.