Orphaned by the 1918 influenza epidemic, eleven-year-old Lydia Pierce and her older brother are sent to live with their uncle in the strict Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake. Lydia struggles to adapt to the rigid rules and communal life, while grappling with the loss of her parents and the uncertainty of her future. The Shaker way of life, with its emphasis on simplicity, hard work, and spiritual devotion, stands in stark contrast to the world she once knew, and she must find a way to reconcile her grief and her new reality.

The premise of "Like the Willow Tree" sets up a narrative focused on adaptation and resilience within a unique historical and cultural context. The story likely explores themes of loss, community, and finding one's place, framed by the stark realities of early 20th-century America and the distinct Shaker lifestyle. The inclusion of an author's note suggests an effort to provide historical context and educational value alongside the fictional story. The narrative's focus on a young protagonist navigating profound change points to a story that balances personal growth with historical detail.