When a diphtheria outbreak and a structural disaster force Cissy Sissney to flee her home, she finds herself thrust into the unpredictable world of a traveling showboat troupe. Cissy, along with her classmates Kookie and Tibbie, joins the Bright Lights Theatre Company aboard the Sunshine Queen as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Missouri River. The narrative follows their transition from the monotony of Olive Town to the high-stakes environment of riverboat performance, where the characters must contend with both the physical dangers of the river and the logistical challenges of maintaining their theatrical productions. The story is presented through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the contrast between Cissy's quiet past and the vibrant, often perilous, life of the performers.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to create a vivid sense of place, particularly regarding the historical setting of the showboat era. Discussion often centers on the balance between the lighthearted nature of the theatrical performances and the serious, life-threatening obstacles the characters encounter. Critics note that the prose maintains a steady momentum, effectively capturing the spirit of a period-specific adventure. Many readers appreciate how the narrative focuses on the growth of the young protagonists as they adapt to the unconventional lifestyle of the troupe. The work is often cited for its descriptive quality and its success in portraying the intersection of performance and survival.