"When six students are chosen to participate in a weekly talk with no adults allowed, they discover that when they're together, it's safe to share the hopes and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world"--

Fleeing Southerland Plantation with his little sister, twelve-year-old Homer finds a secret community called Freewater, created by formerly enslaved people, but when he learns of a threat that could destroy this place, he crafts a plan to help his new home.

In 1903, Maureen, originally from Ireland, comes to Bostom to live with her old friend Sofia and her Italian American family, where the two girls share fifth grade class and various adventures.

The boy knows that times are tough for his family. Every night, his father goes out hunting with their great coon dog, Sounder, to try to put food on the table. But even with the little they bring back, there is still never enough for the family to eat. When the boy awakens one morning to a sweet-smelling ham on the table, it seems like a blessing. But soon, the sheriff and his deputies come to the house and take the boy’s father away in handcuffs....

Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression.

When Marie-Grace discovers a baby outside her father's office and a slave catcher claims the boy, she helps place him at a white orphanage where she becomes a volunteer, as her friendship with Cecile grows and she hears rumors of yellow fever.

Addy's new life in Philadelphia in the late 1860s continues to hold surprises, as she competes in a kite festival and her teacher recommends her for the Institute for Colored Youth. Includes informational pages about the Institute for Colored Youth and how to make a kite.

Eighth-grader Suzy has joined the high school gymnastics team, but faces pressures from her team, her coach, and her mother when an injury sidelines her.