Collin can’t help himself–he has a unique condition that finds him counting every letter spoken to him. It’s a quirk that makes him a prime target for bullies, and a continual frustration to the adults around him, including his father.

When Collin asked to leave yet another school, his dad decides to send him to live in Minnesota with the mother he’s never met. She is Ojibwe, and lives on a reservation. Collin arrives in Duluth with his loyal dog, Seven, and quickly finds his mom and his new home to be warm, welcoming, and accepting of his condition.

Collin’s quirk is matched by that of his neighbor, Orenda, a girl who lives mostly in her treehouse and believes she is turning into a butterfly. With Orenda’s help, Collin works hard to overcome his challenges. His real test comes when he must step up for his new friend and trust his new family.

Benjamin Waterfalls is a troubled kid: he steals as the quickest way to fill the emptiness in his life. Plus, he enjoys the danger, and it makes him feel good to sneak some money into his mom’s purse when rent is due. His Native American mother has tried everything to help Benny find a better path, but when he lands in court in front of an unforgiving judge, it looks like there’s no hope–until the judge agrees to allow Benny one last chance at turning his life around. The only problem is, he’s being sent to stay with his father, a man Benny hasn’t seen for seven years.