Spontaneous and energetic Liz, the middle Nguyen sibling, grew up hearing stories from her Grandma Nội, about the fantastically fierce Trung Sisters, freedom fighters in ancient Vietnam. And with a new school year about to start, Liz is determined that her taekwondo classes will prove she is just as important and brave as the famous warriors. That is, until the new boy at school, Michael, threatens her plans by turning her best friend against her, telling her the things she can't do because she's a girl. Struggling with both her friendships and her place in her family, Liz finds help where she least expects it--in the pearl earrings her Grandma Nội, left her as a gift, reminding her of her Vietnamese heritage.