The calendar reads 1996, as a determined historian embarks on a mission to recount the Pushcart War of a decade earlier for young audiences. With a watchful eye and careful consideration, the narrator weaves together a plainspoken yet rich tapestry of the war's unfolding, drawing from a wellspring of historical texts, newspaper clippings, and personal interviews. Each move in this burgeoning conflict is meticulously documented through a series of imaginative, bizarrely coincidental, yet astonishingly credible methods. The interplay between individuals and events vividly illustrates the war's escalation, revealing the unavoidable march towards its crescendo. Convinced that modern warfare is "so complicated that peace-loving people give up trying to understand what is going on," the narrator uses this tale of the Pushcart War to shed light on the actions and unfolding reactions that led to a city being brought to its knees.

With a distinctive perspective, Merrill breathes new life into the age-old David versus Goliath saga, set against the backdrop of contemporary times. Here, a steadfast group of pushcart vendors stands resolute against the domineering trucking behemoths. Through this narrative, Merrill launches a biting critique of modern urban existence with her sharp, satirical wit. The city politician, the might of the press, the sway of Hollywood, the dynamics of labor unions, the nature of wars, the evolution of weaponry, and the march of mechanization all come under her unflinching gaze. Each action within this story triggers an unexpected yet believable response, underscoring the intricate web of human interdependence.