The novel was written to dispel myths about HIV/AIDS and celebrate the courage of child sufferers in Malawi.

Binti's father Bambo, infected with AIDS, contracts pneumonia due to his suppressed immune system and dies.

Binti and her siblings are placed in the care of her less wealthy relatives, who take their belongings and force them to move to their homes, where they are treated poorly.

Binti steals back money that her relatives stole from her and decides to run away.

Binti's sibling Junie was with her, but parted to find a better way to make money and worked as a prostitute.