Mickey Bellsong has a history of making wrong choices, not least in men. Her life has no meaning or direction; she wants to change but can't find her way. She has moved in temporarily with her aunt, who lives in a dusty trailer park on the far edge of the Californian dream. There she meets Leilani, a percocious, radiant, dazzingly charming nine-year-old. Although Leilani's left leg requires a brace and her left hand is deformed as well, she is buoyant and indomitable; her great spirit begins to inspire change in Micky.
Leilani's strange stepfather, Preston Maddoc, claims to have had a vision that aliens will either heal the girl by her tenth birthday or take her away with them to their world, where she can have a better life. Then the Maddocs disappear. Leilani's tenth birthday is approaching. Mickey is convinced the girl will be dead by that day. And no one seems to care but Mickey herself.