No one living along the meandering CatClaw Creek in the 1920's could spread a better farm-fresh meal after church like Ella McLeod, despite the dust, the temperatures, or the regularity of West Texas wind. She sustained a large family, husband, 10 sons and daughters and her youngest boy N.L. N.L. enjoys a home life that is much better than Huckleberry Finn's. While Huckleberry had the entire Mississippi River as his playground, N.L. only has the trickles of CatClaw Creek. Still, his life is filled with many memorable moments from capturing critters, downing tall sodas at the drug store, chasing runaway Stetsons, all the while getting his home chores done. N.L. embraces every adventure as he grows up, learns lessons, and wonders what the future holds.