The fifteen-year-old who was the very first immigrant to land at the famous handling station at Ellis Island, New York, has now become a young woman of twenty. After her two-year stay in the wild west, Annie returns to New York - to her family and friends. Excited by all the opportunities New York has to offer her, she"s especially thrilled with the prospect of spending more time with Mike Tierney, the young man she loves.Although the glamour of New York life is seductive, it contrasts sharply with the poverty all around. Annie sees both sides of the city, and must decide where her loyalties lie.While Mike is campaigning in a presidential election, Annie fights for womens right to vote. Just when life seems to be going so well, war intervenes, taking Mike far away and into great danger. Through it all, Annie discovers that there is sorrow as well as joy in growing up and that some things are irreplaceable.