"IT'S OKAY," SHE WHISPERED. "BABY KNOWS MEE..."

The spirit world is their only refuge. Nightly, while most children sleep, others seek a more basic goal: recovery. These are the mistreated. The youngest cope by willing their spirits to exit their bodies for a few hours.

Natalie Leffingwell, nine, learns this power after one harsh beating from her father. Seeking relief, she watches as her hand rises from her resting body. She finds that the spirit world is devoid of pain. It's a place to join others with similar hardships-and play where no grownup can follow. Her one rule: to protect her body from physical threats while her spirit soars aloft. In such cases, children out "ghosting" must quickly re-enter their bodies.

Despite her caution, unforeseen circumstances trap her in this ethereal realm. Denied her mother's love, denied Heaven, there is but loneliness. Natalie needs a friend like herself and resolves to win one...whatever that takes.