Author Barbara Cairns's latest book reveals much about the time in which Jacob lived. It is a book rich in history, and the sounds, the smells, the dialect, the wants and needs of the families and their young amidst traumatically changing times. Feelings about slavery, status, prejudice, divided loyalties, courage, pride, all play a role in the story which is an excellent way to absorb history and humanity. It could be a requirement in schools, for it teaches a number of needed lessons not only in history but also in humanity, which grips a young reader with excitement as they note the way Jacob handles changes, danger, and prejudicial feelings of others that are different from his own.