Young Tom Graham has always wanted to explore the frontier. But living in the city brings little opportunity to fulfill that desire. Then one summer, the Grahams receive a letter from Tom's uncle, convincing them to leave their home and begin a new life on the Wisconsin frontier.
Finally, Tom's dream comes true, though not quite as he expects. Instead of having to face the dangers of the wild, Tom and his new friends, Anna and Lizzy, find they must face their fears as they explore to discover the mystery of the woods.