'Everybody born on this earth is something,' Cassie's mother tells her, 'and nobody, no matter what colour, is better than anybody else.' But Mississippi in the 1930s is a harsh place for a young black girl.

To assert her equality would be to endanger family and friends. Growing up, Cassie learns the truth of a bitter situation and the inner strength and conviction of her mother's words must sustain her despite what she sees around her.