Everything seems to be going well for José and his small family living in a remote village in Hondorus in 1998. José's biggest concern is worrying about whether he can squeeze in some time to play soccer. The good times all change as Hurricane Mitch comes blowing through, causing a massive mudslide that buries almost the whole village. The only two houses still standing are the one he shares with his family and a jury-rigged hut on the other side of the village.

Thirteen-year-old José is forced to grow up as he helps his family and community recover. It will be difficult until help arrives from the outside world. Unfortunately, they cannot wait, and everyone will have to start digging for the things they need.

This is a really short book, but it really draws the reader into the horrors experienced by those who survived Hurricane Mitch's havoc in 1998. José grows as a person and starts to become a man as he is forced to grow up while dealing with the horrors he and his family are now facing.