Sumac Lottery is the fifth of seven kids who share their big house with four parents, one grandfather and five pets. At nine, she's the keeper of her family's traditions--from Pow Wow to Holi, Carnival to Hogmanay, Sumac's on guard to make sure that no Lottery celebration gets forgotten. But this winter all Sumac's plans go awry when a Brazilian visitor overstays his welcome. A terrible ice storm grounds all flights, so one of her dads and her favourite brother can't make it home from India. And then the power starts going out across the city...