Sarah felt safe and snug holding hands under the quilt with Almira Ann. Then a crack of thunder split the air, sounding like it would crash the top of the wagon down on them all.

The day has finally come. Sarah and her family have packed their covered wagon and set out from Missouri, heading west to Oregon for a new life on fertile soil. Fortunately for Sarah, her best friend, Almira Ann and her family are also making the wagon train journey along the Oregon Trail. If only Sarah can manage to "mind her hasty spirit," as Grandma always says, things will be easier for everyone.

Difficult weather conditions and unexpected troubles on the trail lead to long delays in the journey. Try as she might, Sarah can't always keep to the rules. But when Sarah accidentally causes Almira Ann to fall from the wagon and break her leg, she knows her hasty spirit has gone too far. Now Almira Ann must ride the rest of the way with her leg in a pine box splint. How will Sarah ever make it up to her?