From the author of Strawberry Mansion comes the tale of Begonia Brown. Raised in the unforgiving streets of North Philadelphia, Begonia is undoubtedly a product of her environment: young, ruthless, and criminally minded. Begonia's carefree world has been turned upside down. Forced to become the head of her household, she has to trade her paintbrush in for a switchblade and her love of art into a love affair with the hood. Lying, stealing, and turning tricks, Begonia will do any and everything she can to protect her sisters from the ugliness of the world. However, it just isn't enough. Begonia is caught between the hard knocks of the streets and the nightmare of her home life. Her younger sister, Violet, desperate to escape the hell her life has become, is seduced by an up-and-coming corner boy.

Meanwhile, their baby sister Daisy is riddled with a disease that could be fatal if not cared for. Come along for Begonia's journey as she picks up the pieces of a life in shambles.