To Maddie Henry, a fifteen-year-old ex-slave, the south after the Civil War is full of opportunity. But life in the North Carolina town where Maddie and her family have settled is not what they expected when they find that the white residents will use any means to drive away the Henry family. In this sequel to Sound the Jublilee, Sandra Forrester tries to answer her own questions about where the Henry family would go after they gained their freedom. She says, "The most cherished dream had come true, but the reality of freedom was harsh. If a young reader comes away from this book wondering why things haven't changed more than they have, I will be happy."