Set in New Zealand in the 20's / 30's , a young boy goes to live with his aunt and cousin following the death of his father. He begins work on a school history project which uncovers a family tragedy and a hero in the household.

Based on the true sinking of the SS Penguin, a sometimes forgotten NZ maritime disaster, and on the reallife heroine of the day, Ada Hannan.

Sadly, author Adrienne Frater died early in 2020, after a battle with cancer. She has previously published novels and stories in the NZ School Journal as well as a collection of short stories. She is a descendant of Ada Hannam and the character of Jack is based on her father.