After her father dies, Alma and her mother face difficult times that include leaving the farm and moving to town. Alma finds comfort in the books that she reads and the short story that she writes. She longs for the day when she can be a real writer like her favourite author, R. R. Hawkins. Alma's handwriting prompts her teacher to recommend her for a job writing letters for a reclusive old lady, Miss Lily. Alma and Miss Lily's mutual love of reading leads to friendship and trust. Miss Lily shares her books with Alma and encourages her to write stories. .

English language arts grade 8 (2009).