The Indian boy Flying Arrow is soon turning eight years old and will then belong to the "grown-ups." It's only natural that he no longer has time for his friend Little Cloud. He will learn many things that she will never be able to do, and she simply doesn't fit into his life anymore. However, Little Cloud doesn't give up easily and follows her grandmother's advice to learn how to swim. When she meets Flying Arrow again after some time, she challenges him to a swimming race. Flying Arrow hides the fact that he can't swim at all and agrees to the challenge. In the end, Little Cloud has to save his life - and Flying Arrow realizes what true friendship really means. The way of life of the Native Americans is a topic that particularly resonates with children in the early grades and will certainly motivate weaker readers as well. The syllable support reading method makes it easier.