In 1920, four-year-old Stella, a shy but vivacious tomboy, lives a seemingly typical life with her parents and three siblings in Columbus, Ohio. Her world changes forever when her mother runs away with a man Stella has never met. Their father panics about raising his children alone, especially with social services threatening to take his kids away. He believes he has no choice but to move them into a boarding house on Southwood Avenue, run by a deeply disturbed woman and her malicious son. Stella and her siblings quickly learn to keep their secrets to themselves, even from their father.
Losing trust in others and surviving the horrors of Southwood Avenue leaves marks on Stella that are more than just physical. Wondering, Why me? Stella grapples with questions no child should ever face.

Surviving Southwood Avenue is an inspiring story of strength and perseverance based on one woman's extraordinary life.