Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams are known for their endless questions. On their trip to the grocery store they meet a senior cashier named Darrell and the questions begin: Why does someone who could be retired choose to still work? This simple question leads the friends all around their community as they explore the facts and personal stories of veterans.

In 1932, twelve-year-old Cal must stop being a hobo with his father and go to a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, where he begins learning about his history and heritage as a Creek Indian.