Escaping World War II

After barely missing the devastation of Pearl Harbor, the McKinsey family makes a bridge-like transition, crossing from the experiences of war to what they hope is safety.

However, when they arrive in Provo, Utah, what they find is a series of questions. Who is America Laughingheart? Who murdered Mrs. Potter? And who left the grave open? Other difficulties plague them: chickenpox, scarlet fever, and a local flood.

It is Grandpa who gets discouraged first and departs. The family follows. Looking back, they relize that even though their "transition" was rocky, all that truly matters is that they are together.