Littlejim Houston is the best student in his school and an excellent writer, admired by everyone in his small North Carolina mountain community everyone except for his father, Bigjim, whose respect he desires most. Rugged and stern, Bigjim is never satisfied with his son's work on the family farm and doesn't approve of Littlejim's love for writing and schoolwork.

Littlejim hopes he can finally earn his father's respect and understanding by winning a local writing contest and getting his essay published in the Kansas City Star, but first he must find inspiration on the assigned topic, "What it means to be an American."

With a vivid depiction of Appalachian mountain life in the early 1900s and a cast of lovingly portrayed characters, Littlejim explores the values and spirit of immigrant Americans through the unforgettable eyes of a boy seeking his father's approval.