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On the exterior, one might think Hauer's novel revolves around racism. More specifically, however, it is a refreshing narrative of two best friends and their numerous childhood adventures in the 1840's American South. While Caroline and Cassie, the two female protagonists, are enveloped by slavery around them, their friendship remains unaffected and pure. Overall, the text is both entertaining and educational for kids, and ultimately delivers a meaningful message: Embrace each other—and their differences—and live life being happy and positive.
The story opens with the present-day, parallel leads, Bianca and Bailey, who are excited to attend the wedding of their teacher, Ms. Christine. At the wedding, a woman exclaims her surprise at seeing Bailey, a white girl, and Bianca, African American, and their tight-knit bond. This moment triggers a book-reading session where Ms. Christine and the girls dive into history and learn about Caroline, Cassie, how the world was viewed back then, and how much the world has changed now.
Though Caroline and her family technically own Cassie, she is treated well—a rarity in those times—and both girls are inseparable. Whether they are boosting the confidence and appearance of the bride-to-be right before her wedding, or providing bread and butter to a frail orphan boy who is hiding near their home, Caroline and Cassie are always ready to help. From learning how to get hummingbirds to eat from their hands and going horse riding to playing hide-and-seek with the Macready children and secretly listening to the oral version of Frankenstein, there is never a dull moment in the girls' lives.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review