Told in two voices, two outcasts in an Iron Age village befriend each other, as disabled, orphaned Varick helps Estrild achieve her dream of becoming the first female warrior. Inspired by the Windeby bog body.

A most unusual new student who loves to be the center of attention entertains her teacher and fellow second graders by telling absolutely true stories about herself, including how she got her name.

Young Katy Thatcher, the daughter of the town doctor, becomes friends with Jacob, a teenager who is "touched in the head," which allows her to understand what really happened when the unwanted infant of Jacob's sister is found dead.