Gaeddert, LouAnn Bigge

In 1800, shortly before his twelfth birthday, Richard is sent to live with his uncle on a farm in upper New York State, where he teaches a young slave to read and encourages her to dream of freedom.

In 1941 in Kansas, as America enters World War II, fourteen-year-old William finds himself alienated from his friend Jim, a Mennonite who does not believe in fighting for any reason, as they argue about the war.

In 1851 orphans Hope and John are placed in a community of Shakers, where they encounter a way of life that is strange yet comfortable.

When some of his schoolmates tease him unmercifully about being "mommy's little lamb, " Hamilton sets out to prove that he too, can be tough.