Ann Patterson, who is nine, loves the farm, so when she hears that her parents are losing it she asks one question. How can you lose something as big as a farm? Mama Dee, Anns mother gives her a notebook and a pencil and challenges her to write down all the things she doesnt understand. Ann knows that everyone seems to be suffering through the Great Depression. Papa is expecting a very important letter from the Patent office, but Ann and her brothers keep everything hopping with hilarious events like Macks first date. Will the expected letter have any answers?