Life with Gran in Niagara Falls is all about routine for nine-year-old Brenda Barnhart, until she meets Maureen. Brenda is afraid of heights, being in the dark, and dog poop. She meets daring, rule-breaking Maureen and realizes their friendship is a bit like walking a tightrope -- exciting but dangerous. Maureen encourages Brenda to use fire escapes, sleep outside in a tent, and walk through strange backyards. Their friendship strains when Maureen makes fun of Harvey, Brenda's special needs neighbour. It strains even further when Maureen borrows Gran's bracelet and lies about returning it. Suddenly, Brenda realizes she has to be as brave as Charles Blondin, the man who walked across The Falls, to get it back.