Bradley Chalkers is the oldest kid in the fifth grade. He tells enormous lies. He picks fights with girls. No one likes him—except Carla, the new school counselor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try. But when you feel like the most-hated kid in the whole school, believing in yourself can be the hardest thing in the world...

This magical tale about drinking from a spring of immortality centers on a ten-year-old girl, Winnie Foster, who longs for freedom outside her parents’ fenced-in yard. She wanders through the woods and comes across Jesse Tuck, a handsome young boy, who introduces her to his family. Mae, Angus, Miles and Jesse let Winnie in on an extraordinary secret. After drinking from the spring near their house, they never aged another day. The Tucks kidnap Winnie—though she goes willingly—after telling her their story. As Winnie becomes more and more involved with the Tucks, and a deadly crime is committed, Winnie must decide whether or not she wants to experience life forever onwards.