This is a coming of age story about a young black girl. Lizzy Davis, a school Principal, reminisces about her adolescence in Ranford, Texas in 1957. As a result of the Supreme Court desegregation order, Ranford is about to integrate their schools. Her mother does not want her to participate because of the protests and violence which erupted in Little Rock, Arkansas . Lizzy is smart, ambitious, bright, outgoing and wants to make a difference. Her first day in class shoves her into the hostilities of those not yet ready to integrate. Although difficult, Lizzy decides to return to the angry world which can fulfill her ambitions -- a world where she must stand on her own.