Jonathan Green, 12 years old in the summer of 1987, stands at a crossroads. He doesn't know it yet, but the decisions he makes now will determine everything about his future.

Sarah Green, his mom, has decided that the best thing for her boy is to spend a few weeks with her dad Malachi at the Green Forty, their family farm. If Sarah had known how profound the change would be for Jonathan-and what it would cost-she might not have taken this step.

But she's desperate to keep him safe from the darkness in the city, safe from an idle summer, safe even from his own father. The price Jonathan will pay for entry into manhood will be very high. Sarah senses that she can't give him what he really needs anymore. And all that matters now is whether he has what it takes to pass through the crucible.