Margaret Rose Kane narrates her 1983 attempt to save her grand-uncles' backyard towers, built over decades. She starts when great-uncle Alex fetches her from summer camp, site of harassment. Their driver home, the camp owner's son, is stunned by the "folk art" masterpieces, and signs onto their side.

Grownup neighborhood kids are now powerful and willing to help, as are regretful campers. With only days till their scheduled destruction, how can the towers be saved? Margaret also satisfies reader curiosity about what happens to everyone after the excitement dies down.