China, December 1941. Elspeth Kent left England for a teaching post at a missionary school in northern China. Ten-year-old Nancy Plummer has always felt safe at Chefoo School, protected by her British status. When Japan declares war on Britain and America, Japanese forces take control of the school. Nancy and her friends face privation, uncertainty and fear. The children look to their teachers- to Miss Kent and her new Girl Guide patrol especially- to provide a sense of unity and safety. Sent to a distant internment camp, even greater uncertainty and danger await.