For $66 or not very much more, George Harrington thinks he might be able to buy a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle and ride to Alaska, New York, or any of the other places he dreams about while fishing with his father every Saturday morning. When his grandmother invites him to visit for the summer and help out at her store in small-town Obadiah, Alabama, he sees a way to earn the money he needs.

In Obadiah, George hooks up with Esther and Bennett, the children of the cook at his grandmother's lunch counter. An unusual trio in 1950s Alabama, they roam the countryside together, sneaking onto Mr. Vorhise's land to go fishing, looking for lost treasure, and avoiding the hooded old woman who seems to follow them through the woods.

George, Esther, and Bennett find more than fish, however, on Mr. Vorhise's land -- evidence that leads them to some chilling conclusions. As currents of racism and bigotry come to the town's surface, George must reassess his priorities and learn a lesson about sacrifice.