A white woman marries an African American man in the 1970s and both are involved in radical left activities. They have two daughters: Birdy Lee, who "passes" for white, and her older sister Cole, whose appearance is black. The marriage is volatile and the couple separates, only to learn that they're both wanted by the FBI. They decide to go underground; Cole stays with her father and Birdy Lee with her mother. After eight turmoil-filled years living with mom, Birdy Lee strikes out on her own to find her father and track down her sister. In the end, she and Cole are reunited and there's hope for Birdy Lee to find a sense of peace in her life. This book effectively recreates the atmosphere of the '60s and '70s. All readers will be engaged by the skillfully told story that explores family relationships, racial identity, and racism.