Ages 9 to 12 years. It is the middle of World War II, and, with the help of trusted friends, Gabi, her mother and her cousin Max go into hiding in a tiny mountain village. It takes great willpower to endure months of fear in their cramped hiding space at the back of a barn, and eventually Gabi and Max sneak out for the first of many secret night-time walks. Through the discovery of anti-Nazi partisan soldiers camped in the nearby woods and new roles as partisan scouts, Gabi and Max find strength and courage, and a renewed sense of hope in dark times.