Written for young adults, this story has touched a chord with adults. A family saga of their first year in Australia, this Russian family fleeing Communism has to fight to be accepted. Natasha's strong will and quick temper cause her extra woes with schoolmates and cousins. Money problems mean choices have to be made that she not always agree with. Will her parents get Natasha a dog as they had promised and will she be able to care for it? Papa cannot speak English, so getting a job is a challenge, and Natasha's two sisters have problems and cares of their own.