The year 1976 is just a few months away, and everyone in town is gearing up for the Bicentennial. But Doreen doesn't feel much like celebrating. It just doesn't seem right, so soon after the Vietnam War. So soon after Mama Dot and Daddy's divorce. So soon after her little brother, Bobo, suddenly stops talking. Doreen knows for sure this will be a sad summer, an everybody-leaving-me summer.

But under the falling maple leaves, in her mother's embrace, Doreen begins to learn the knowledge of the heart: You're never alone if you have love - and your own song of faith.