The book tells the story of a Dakota family from 1862 to 2002 in a generational saga.  Rosalie Iron Wing doesn’t remember her mother.  She is raised by her father, Ray, a former science teacher. Dakhóta teachings are passed on by him which focus on respecting all things and gathering wild fruits and vegetables.  When Ray dies, Rosalie is sent to a foster family in nearby Mankato.  She has it rough as a poor, reserved, and bookish teenager.  She befriends rebellious Gaby Makespeace.  To gain some stability and a roof over her head she marries local farmer John Meister on her 18th birthday.  Farm life is rough but she finds seeds her mother-in-law saved.  She grows a garden which becomes a refuge for her.  Her husband decides to contract with a commercial chemical and genetically-modified seed company so they won’t bankrupt the farm.  As an older adult Rosalie begins to confront the past by searching for family any family members.  She finds her Aunt Darlene Kills Deer. She learns the story of her grandmother Marie Blackbird.  Rosalie gains some seeds Marie saved during the war when the indigenous Dakota were forced into camps.  She and other women sewed seeds into their clothing.  She learns the story of her family being forced into boarding schools.  The anger, resentment, and betrayal are felt throughout the book.  It is a sad story with heartbreaking parts.  I listened to the audiobook so I could have the full storytelling effect and correct pronunciations.  It is based on the true story of a Dakota who hid her seeds in her clothes when forced into captivity.