Naomi León and her brother Owen have been living with their great-grandmother in a trailer park ever since they were abandoned by their troubled, hard-drinking mother seven years ago. Thanks to Gram’s positive thinking and kind heart, Naomi has learned to speak again and has discovered a joy in carving animals out of soap, a Mexican tradition. Owen has finally gotten the surgeries he needs to manage his physical disabilities.

But when the children’s mother unexpectedly shows up with presents and a new boyfriend, their world begins to fall apart. When their mother hatches a plan to separate the children, gain custody of Naomi for the child support, and take off for Las Vegas, Gram whisks the children off to Mexico in a desperate attempt to find their father. There, Naomi discovers a world of friendship, family, and community that will transform her life forever—as well as an artistic heritage that will inspire and guide her.