Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles dreams of life outside the small town of Burr Oak Michigan, but when she stumbles on the opportunity to learn ostrich-riding with the infamous Madame Marantette her obligations to her family on the farm threaten to derail her dreams of a bigger life. Includes photographs and information on Madame Marantette.

Opal the ostrich pushes past her anxiety to take on a big responsibility at her family's annual party.