Uri Mokovich, a young Russian lad, is raised by his immigrant parents in rural south-central North Dakota during the 1930s and 40s. Hard living and schoolhouse bullies ignite a dream of escaping into the prairie and living off the land like native inhabitants once lived. Tragic circumstances prematurely force him into his adventure. Uri's many skills learned from his parents and his fascination about Indian ways help him survive the prairie for a while. But self-sufficiency, instilled by his father, comes into direct conflict when offered the help he so desperately requires. A gift from a caring librarian and the wisdom from an unexpected visitor helps Uri find the faith he never knew he needed.