October 1962

Thirteen-year-old Lisa Conlin's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mrs. Halden, an older member of the community, and begins helping her with household chores. Mrs. Halden lives in a large, mysterious house, and she has a secret. When Mrs. Halden's niece, Rosa, comes to stay, Lisa and Rosa learn about one another's lives and cultures and work together to solve the mystery in Mrs. Halden's house. All this occurs as both Lisa and Rosa are affected by world events during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962.