This novel tells the story of two boys from different cultures, Australian Adam and Bangladeshi Walid, who become lost together in the Arabian desert while fleeing war. Adam was living with his expat family in the Middle East, while Walid was an abused camel boy. When conflict breaks out, Adam escapes but becomes separated from his rescuers while trying to save his dog. Walid had also fled his cruel masters. Stranded together in the harsh desert, the boys must overcome their cultural and language barriers to cooperate and survive using their ingenuity.