It's the Depression, but Red's family is managing better than most on their Prince Edward Island farm. Hard working and resourceful, they have enough to eat and to help others, even if at times they are mocked by their neighbours for putting education ahead of farm work. When Red's father is injured, the family's situation looks dire. Eleven-year-old Red steps up to the challenge, finishing the tobacco boxes that his father makes and helping shovel out a train stuck in the snow.