Readers make assumptions about the plot when they read details of the setting and wonder about what action will occur there. To some extent, the setting dictates the plot. On a cattle ranch, a cattle stampede is possible; in an underwater environment, lack of oxygen is possible; on a busy city street, a traffic accident is possible. The setting is closely linked both to the plot. Like the philosophical notion of a fish in water, one exists with the other. You can separate them intellectually, but not practically. Details of the setting, like the cliff over the sea, or the storm in the night create ideas for your plot. Even your cha4racters can come out of the setting. If the story takes place in a fifth grade classroom, it’s highly likely that your character is ten-year-old. So which comes first: plot, setting, character? Hard to answer that one.

From Writing for Children and Young Adults  Self-Counsel