In this historic 1960's Vietnam war era novel, Elizabeth Ellen Anderson, a high school student known by her friends as Bet, takes a stand against the war in Vietnam and learns about Society's opposition to those who speak out. She and her friend Cat also learn how issues are intertwined when sexism prevents them from expressing themselves and racism prevents them from extending a welcoming had to a new member of their community. With the help of Bet's Uncle Everett, a union organizer, they go to battle, but learn the difference between real life possibilities and fanatical beliefs.