This novel tells the story of a boy who tries to escape the terrible living conditions in North Korea and embarks on a journey to China to find his missing sister. As a horrific famine ravages North Korea, Yeong-dae loses both of his parents and is soon forced to live on the streets and beg for food. In his desperation, the boy sets out to search for his sister, who has been kidnapped and taken to China. The adventurous journey is fraught with dangers, but Yeong-dae also encounters people who risk their lives to help him, as well as friends with whom he endures great hardship and whom he will never forget.