Pearl Jacobs' favorite teacher springs an unwanted surprise right before spring break. He insists that everyone cut into their vacation plans and tune into the president's primetime speech on Wednesday night.

Pearl and her eclectic group of friends groan and grumble about the intrusion, and best friend, Bella, is especially put out. She is off to a Florida beach for spring break and doesn't have time for school assignments. It isn't fair.

But homework is homework. So, on the appointed night, Pearl pops corn and settles in front of the TV to hear what the prez has to say. She puts a notebook and pen close by but doesn't really expect to take notes.

The president surprises her and comes out swinging: "Make ... no ... mistake!" she says. "The climate crisis is real! And the consequences are dire! Everyone must do something to save the planet!"

The speech lasts an hour and changes Pearl and her friends in ways they could never have imagined. Together they set out to organize their school and their neighborhood to save the planet from climate-change disaster.

The Feather Farm is a coming-of-age story. In one short summer, fifteen-year-old Pearl Jacobs discovers her own power to make a difference in the world. And in the process, she finds the meaning of forgiveness and recovers the family she thought was lost forever.

Pearl also learns that doing the right thing is often risky and may be costly.