This is the true story of Katie, a meter-long western diamondback rattlesnake, and her adventures as she struggles to make a life for herself in the harsh Sonoran Desert. We share Katie’s determination as she hunts for the food she needs, her terror when attacked by vicious predators, and her devotion to the litter of babies she gives birth to.

Although the story is told from Katie's point of view, the reason we know so much about her life is due to the work of scientists, who also appear in the story, using the latest technology to learn more about the private lives of snakes, and ultimately facing a terrible decision when Katie's life is in danger.

This is the perfect read for any child who wonders what it might be like to be a rattlesnake, as well as for older children who want to know more about biologists and the study of reptiles and amphibians (herpetology). This bilingual book, which features side-by-side English and Spanish pages and an extensive reference and glossary section, is suggested reading for children aged 6 to 12.