Summer, 1960, the Upper Midwest. A mostly honest boy named Roy Ulysses Hollister, with family and friends on board, navigates the choppy waters of summer between the islands of 8th Grade and high school. The adventure begins when Roy discovers he has an unusual ability that must remain secret. During his journey, Roy will suffer physical and emotional injuries, including broken bones, true infatuation, raw jealousy and confusion about sexuality. A dispute with a bitter rival will turn into a duel on the baseball diamond. Worst of all, shadows of death will at times cloud the skies. The wild card in Roy's journey is Eleanor Eden, a world-famous anthropologis who moves next door to Roy's family.She also harbors a big secret. Together they will explore recent history, as well as currents events. An icy cold war, a new red scare in distant lands, a presidential election pitting a dynamic future against a complacent past, and the beginning of attempts to right civil wrongs against colored people. Eleanor will open Roy's eyes to the possibilities of future change. Roy will open Eleanor's eyes to life in the middle of nowhere.