Twelve-year-old Poppy is an orphan living in a bad neighborhood in Chicago, pick pocketing so that she has a place to sleep at night. Justinās world couldnāt be more differentāhis father owns a jewelry storeābut when he and Poppy meet, they become fast friends, thanks in part to Justinās sweet pet goat. Through their friendship, Poppy realizes that she doesnāt want to be a thief anymore and she begins to feel like she may have a place with Justinās family. But when Justin makes an expensive mistake at his fatherās store, Poppy is immediately blamed. In response, she flees . . . right into the Great Chicago Fire.
Poppy and Justin must rely on their instincts if they are going to survive the catastrophe. Will anything be left when the fire finally burns out?