The book follows WB, a young genius, as he moves through his life and becomes a man. He has lost both parents, and thus he became homeless. He strikes out on his own using tools his parents have taught him. He lives alone in a tree his first winter. He follows different people he meets, and they mutually impact each other's lives. He has personal obstacles to overcome such as being only twelve years old and having albinism. The characters are both interesting and realistic; they really bring the story to life, compelling the reader to discover the outcome.