In early September 1900, twelve-year-old Carrie of Galveston is looking forward to spending Saturday night at her friend's house, until her parents are invited to a very important party and she is forced to stay home and take care of her little brother; but a boring chore turns into a nightmare when the storm surge from the Great Hurricane hits and their house is swept off its foundation--and Carrie must think quickly and not panic if she is going to keep herself and her brother alive.