Told with humor and insight through the eyes of a 12 year-old, this is the story of three young boys growing up on an Alaskan homestead in the 1950's. As members of a dysfunctional family, they try to cope with a tyrannical step-father and a powerless mother afraid to protect them. Based on a true-life story, you experience the rivalry and comradery between the siblings. A must read for anyone who remembers the joy and heartbreak of being young.