North Carolina, 1954. A hurricane is on its way — one of the biggest on record. Fourteen-year-old Genevieve is comfortable in her small beach town. Like every teen, she has the usual troubles with her parents, but nothing was ever out of the ordinary. Just the way it has always been. Then Brenda Wompers, a West-coast California girl, sweeps into town — changing everything. Outspoken and opinionated, Brenda doesn't think twice about speaking out against the town's Cold War values. The town turns against Brenda and her family, turning these new neighbors into outcasts. Whispers become accusations; accusations turn to violence.