Author Linda Simon Cummins offers an insightful, compassionate look into the daily life, conflicting cultures, and political unrest in pre-revolutionary America through the eyes of a young, adventurous girl.

It is the year 1676, and ten-year-old Katherine Elizabeth Russell lives in the Virginia Colony's James Towne settlement. Her family, along with the other settlers, works to carve out a successful life in the often-harsh conditions against a backdrop of fear and disquiet. She learns of the horrors of the African slave trade from her friend Ebo after he escapes from his captors. And she sees her town divided as Nathaniel Bacon leads his armed rebellion against Governor William Berkeley and promotes the persecution of Indian tribes who have inhabited the land for millennia. But to Katherine, the Pamunkey people become her second family after a twist of fate makes her an adopted member of their tribe and she becomes best friends with Winganuske, the granddaughter of Queen Cockacoeske, the wise, dignified leader and protector of her people's rights during this pivotal time.