When Sissie Stevenson reluctantly begins her fifth grade year at Slippery Branch Elementary School, she has lots of questions that need answers. How can she stop the class bully from picking on her cousin and best friend Spud McKenna? Why do some of the adults in her family behave so badly? Why would anyone want to harm snakes and turtles? One extraordinary teacher will set her on a new direction, and a very special member of the family will help her discover answers to her questions.