The rubella epidemic of 1964-65. The Vietnam War.

Both converge on twelve-year-old Debbie when her sister is born with disabilities and her father may be flying into danger.

Labeled as a "rubella baby," Debbie's sister Krista is born blind in one eye and with a hole in her heart. Although she survives risky open-heart surgery, months pass, and she doesn't babble or crawl like most babies do. Doctors decide the Krista is cognitively challenged-she'll never be able to learn-and they advise her parents to put her in an institution. Just forget about her and raise their three "normal"kids.

Not on Debbie's watch. She's sure Krista is deaf, but no one will believe a kid.

Along with all the medical drama, Debbie must deal with problems at school-best friends who move away, mean girls who don't, bullies, and boyfriends. Refusing to give in to self-pity, she soldiers on as Krista's champion.

However, Debbie's optimism falters when her father's next orders will send him to the war in Vietnam. Can she hang tough for her mother, keep helping Krista, and prepare for life without Dad, possibly forever?