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Brothers Joseph and James, along with their cousin, Maria, enjoy playing in the empty lot near their home. They grow concerned when they learn that someone new is moving in and building a home on the lot. As they are playing and discussing their changing situation, they find a way to transport to the past. Meanwhile, 120 years in the past, a young woman named Emma is growing up on a plantation. She is the daughter of a slave who died in giving Emma birth. Unbeknownst to nearly everyone, including Emma, her father is the son of the plantation’s owner. Eventually, these children from different time periods meet, and the consequences will change all their lives.
Glover writes an absorbing narrative that moves at a great pace and is easy to read. Although the protagonists are all young, the scope of the story gives the book a wider audience. It will sit most comfortably with middle-grade students, and the inclusion of time traveling will broaden the book’s reach. This book shouldn’t be mistaken for standard science fiction. It is more of a dramatic story about personal interactions and a chance to right past wrongs. The book does deal with the topic of slavery, but that isn’t the focus of the book. Also, the book is a clean read with only a few curse words towards the conclusion and is clear of graphic situations other than what is necessary for plot development. Aside from a few grammatical errors, Glover offers an engaging read that should really resonate with young readers who don’t mind a touch of science fiction. It would also lend itself as a secondary read to help discussions about slavery and human relations in a history or literature setting.