NattyGann(playedbyMeredithSalenger)isatwelveyearoldDepressioneragirlwhosesingle-parentfatherleavesherbehindinChicagowhilehegoestoWashingtonStatetolookforworkinthetimberindustry.NattyrunsawayfromtheguardianshewasleftwithtofollowDad.Shebefriendsandisbefriendedbyawolfthathasbeenabusedindogfights,hopsafreighttrainwest,andispresumeddeadwhenherwalletisfoundafterthetraincrashes.Dadgetsbitterandendangershimselfinhisnewjob.MeanwhileNattyhasaseriesofadventuresandmis-adventuresinvariousfarmhouses,policestations,hobocamps,reformschools,andboxcars.