When I think about it now, it seems obvious. Nathan saved my life that day.

Set in contemporary Seattle, Washington, Against the Edge is the story of eleven-year-old fifth grader, Theo Cloverdale. Theo is reluctantly thrust into a relationship with Nathan, a fellow fifth grader who has special needs that aren't tolerated by other kids his age. Because of this, the two boys are paired as partners for a class field trip to Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park, located along the downtown waterfront. Theo's mother Katie attends as a chaperone.

When the class becomes distracted by Lucy, an unruly classmate, Nathan wanders off and is eventually corralled by Theo at the top of the hill. With the boys separated from the other students, a massive natural disaster strikes Elliott Bay. Most of the class is swept into the disaster, including Katie, and all is witnessed by Theo. Despite this profound trauma, Theo acts heroically and his bravery wins him instant, if unwelcome, celebrity. With his mother and many classmates still missing, and faced with this newfound notoriety, Theo's turmoil reaches a boiling point when an individual enters his life, poised to become his greatest ally-or worst enemy.