Maria Peters is looking forward to her thirteenth birthday since she believes it will give her the rights and responsibilities of an adult. She is also interested in the abolition movement and the leaders of that movement. She does not expect all the changes she's about to confront. First, New York City has recently decided to turn the area where Maria lives into a large city park. Then, at school she meets a new student named Anna who has a secret past and their friendship will challenge Maria to decide how far she will go to help another person.

The book provides a detailed description of daily life at this time in our history with special emphasis on education, religion and slavery. Recommended by Christy Pierce, Librarian. 288 pages Ages 9-12