Essie was found as a baby on a library shelf by Dorris, Taisha, Jean-Marie and Lucinda, four children's librarians who raised her as their own. Despite her unusual circumstances, Essie was as happy as a child could be. She was extravagantly loved by four mothers, and she had miles of books to read. But when she turns 11, her mothers encourage her to venture out into the town which leads to major discoveries about Essie's true origin, her family and whether or not she will be able to continue living a safe and sheltered life in her library home.