Nine-year-old Gregory's house does not have room for a garden, but he creates a surprising and very different garden in an unusual place.

Seven-year-old Juan, abandoned by his parents, lives with his grandmother in Guatemala. Because his family is so poor, his grandmother puts him to work. But when his dream of going to school comes true, Juan turns out to be a brilliant student who makes his grandmother proud.

A boy and his family endure a difficult nine-week journey across the ocean and survive the first winter at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts.

The celebrated children's book writer describes the scenes of her childhood, in New York City and on Long Island, and how she lived as an adult.