When Emerson's father is deployed to Afghanistan, his mother sends him to spend the summer at his Navajo grandfather 's sheep camp. A city kid and military "brat," Emerson resents being stuck on the Rez with no friends, no computer, no video games and no TV. He knows nothing about his mother's culture and is a misfit in a lifestyle alien to him. Then he rescues a lost dachshund who is as much a misfit at sheep camp as he is. Emerson names her Lucky, and with her by his side, his anger and defiance fade as he takes pride in newfound accomplishments and learning about his Navajo heritage. But when Lucky's owners demand her return, Emerson refuses and makes an ill-thought-out decision that puts his life at risk and drives home the power he discovers in making a choice.