North Dakota, 1905
After fleeing persecution in the Russian Empire, eleven-year-old Shoshana and her family, Jewish immigrants,
start a new life on the prairie. Shoshana takes fierce joy in the wild beauty of the plains and the thrill of forging a
new, American identity. But itâs not as simple for her older sister, Libke, who misses their Ukrainian village and
doesnât pick up English as quickly or make new friends as easily. Desperate to fit in, Shoshana finds herself
hiding her Jewish identity in the face of prejudice, just as Libke insists they preserve it.
For the first time, Shoshana is at odds with her beloved sister, and has to look deep inside herself to realize
that her familyâs difference is their greatest strength. By listening to the music thatâs lived in her heart all along,
Shoshana finds new meaning in the Jewish expression all beginnings are difficult, as well as in the resilience
and traditions her people have brought all the way to the North Dakota prairie.