Ten-year-old Sophie Glidden lives in a rural Maine community in 1933. She and her best friend, Evelyn Murphy, enjoy hanging out in Evelyn's tree house and exploring. There is also a difference between the girls. Sophie is a Protestant, and her roots in town go back many generations. Evelyn is an Irish Catholic immigrant. Their difference in religion is something neither of them considers until Evelyn gives a rosary to Sophie to comfort her following the death of Sophie's grandmother. When Sophie's parents discover that she has prayer beads, trouble quickly settles in the Glidden home.

While searching for answers about why many adults in Kittington are biased against Catholics, Sophie uncovers secrets about First Christian Church--where she and her family attend services.

Sophie is bold and tenacious. She holds her ground and speaks up to adults in her struggle to gain justice for her Catholic friend, but at what cost?