Thirteen-year-old Rose Campbell, recently orphaned and in delicate health, arrives at the bustling "Aunt-Hill" to live with her maiden great-aunts in Boston. Overwhelmed by her new surroundings and the differing opinions of her numerous aunts, Rose finds her life transformed by the unexpected arrival of her guardian, Uncle Alec.
Uncle Alec, a seafaring doctor with unconventional ideas about child-rearing, challenges the traditional expectations for young ladies of the era, advocating for fresh air, exercise, and a practical education over corsets and social graces. Amidst the lively antics of her seven boisterous boy cousins and the contrasting views of her well-meaning aunts, Rose embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace health, happiness, and her own unique path. This enduring classic explores themes of family, education, and the blossoming of a young woman finding her voice and strength.