When Mann's younger brother Jason is shot to death on their porch, the family is nearly destroyed. Mann's father is so terrified about losing another son that he decides to leave Mann and his friend, Kee-lee, in the woods, forcing them to survive as they enact an ancient African tradition. Narrator Dominic Hoffman beautifully illustrates the grief and hopelessness of the family, as well as the moments of joy that temporarily bring everyone out of their pain. A closing interview with the author offers her intentions in this tracgic but hopeful story.