This book is set in late winter 1955 in a small farming community in South Dakota.  As winter progressed, extreme weather set in with repeated heavy snowstorms which closed roads and stranded families on their farms.  The main characters are composed of one such farming family with three girls ranging in age from middle school to high school, dad and pregnant mom.  The book is a delightful and exciting snapshot of their lives during these winter-time challenges.  Themes of family, perseverance, patience, hard work, friendship, helping others and coming of age are all prevalent.  I enjoyed this novel set in more innocent times and will recommend it to my students.