Four short stories, set in the American west, about Little Obie, who lives with his grandparents, Obadiah and Effie. The first story tells of the big flood. Obie's friend Marty and her father are flooded out, and when Little Obie and Obadiah go to rescue them, only Marty is left - shocked and sick. They take her home, and she gradually recovers, but after her father's death, she isn't the same Marty that Little Obie remembers. It will take time, Effie explains, and Marty does finally come round. The feelings in this book are an undercurrent. These people are tough, pioneering stock, who don't often need to express themselves, but the undercurrents are strong. The other three stories are about the children coping in various difficult situations - survivors all - but they do end up a real family. The voice and language are very well done. Good for reading aloud.