The frustrations, hardships and political injustices of everyday life in a village in Southeast Asia are dramatically revealed in the story of Dawan, a young Thai girl who seeks the opportunity to continue her education at a city high school by taking a special examination.
But Dawan must compete with her brother, who also takes the test, and faces the disapproval of her father, who is convinced that city life and further schooling are not a girl.
Dawan's determination to overcome these obstacles and to prove to herself, as well as others, that she is worthy of seeking the prize is an important experience for her and her readers.