It's 1934 in Oklahoma, and Freeda June Washburn, a girl named Pete, and her four sisters are having the best summer ever down on the Deep Red. They have many adventures on their favorite pony, Flea Foot, and spend long summer days swimming in Martin's Pond. But things begin to change. Pete's older sister is growing up and going out on her first date with Silly Billy Becker, and Pete just doesn't kw what to think about that. Her little sister Margie, the Brown Skin, is also distraught about the new boy who seems to be spending more and more time at the Washburn farm. Daddy has even invited him to spend the day with them in the Wichita Mountains at Craterville. As the family gets ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, things go from bad to worse when the girls' st-sed, four-eyed cousin Mildred shows up for the family celebration. Also, the sheriff has come for Sam Washburn's help. Everyone in Tillman County kws that Pete's daddy kws the Red River and it's tributaries like the back of his hand. Whenever someone comes up missing or has drowned, it's Sam Washburn they turn to. When the girls discover that it's Silly Billy Becker's parents in the parlor, their carefree summer turns to one of heartache and pain. This heart-wrenching story is about love, growth, and a special bond that is never broken.