The schoolmaster says nine-year-old Benjamin is the finest student he's ever seen- fit for more than farming; destined for great things someday. But his father's grave illness brings Ben home from school and compels him to strive for something great right now- to do the one thing that will please Father so much he'll want to live. But first Ben must convince his older sister and brother to work with him. And together, they succeed in ways they never dreamed possible.