The Secret Lives of Us Kids depicts the lives of four children marooned in a harsh Montana oilfield at the beginning of World War II. The stories express notes of despair and dismay but also describe delight in small things.  When the carefree days of their ranch childhood were stripped away, they found us assuming adult responsibilities.  No one told them they had to become the caregivers of younger brothers when their parents were gone.  They just did it.