In 1607, three English ships sail up the James River in Virginia and establish the first permanent English colony. Nine-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barker keeps a journal for her brother, Caleb, who stayed in England because of his weak lungs. In her entries, Lizzie describes the abundant forests, trading with and learning from the Indians, and adventures with her new friends.

Problems pile up but love proves its power to overcome in this humorous and realistic story.