It's 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Anti-German prejudice is rampant, and though 12-year-old Livy Schneider and her 15-year-old brother Will are still mourning the loss of their father, who died in a mysterious boating accident just six months before, his German heritage doesn't merit them much sympathy. On the morning of December 6, Will is following his usual routine while Livy finds herself in a most unusual situation. However, before she can get out of it, the unthinkable happens. A flash of light, then thunder from underground: the Halifax Explosion hits. Instantly, the city is unrecognizable.