Tod doesn't realise that she is different, and doesn't understand why people won't let her play with her best friend Copper. Tod's dark skin sets her apart from other people. In a world where having coloured skin is almost like a death sentence. Tod has been raised by her adoptive mother in safety, but her new friend Copper puts her in danger. Copper's father Amos, and older brother Chief, both enjoy hunting and killing coloured people, which is completely legal. Copper is torn between his friendship with Tod, and his loyalty to his family.