It’s 1858. In three years, America’s Civil War will begin. But now? Neighbor measures neighbor. And here in the Kansas Territory, passions are high. The Missouri Compromise has been repealed, allowing Kansas’s residents to decide the slave issue. So, for four years, violence has plagued the area, earning Kansas its nickname, “Bleeding Kansas.” In fact, this fighting delays Kansas from becoming a state. Its violence, after all, will push the entire United States into war.
What matters to 11-year-old Joyce Murrason, though, is what—or who—she discovers one morning in the family’s barn. A woman, small and ill. A slave? An escaped slave! And worse, in young Joyce’s economy is the possible response of her best friend, Eliza Enstrom. After all, Eliza’s father hunts escaped slaves for money. What exactly will this discovery cost Joyce?
As a pioneer girl, Joyce hasn’t had an easy life. Her father has died, and a stepfather has changed the family. In fact, he’s in part why a new barn stands on the Murrason property—a barn that the community has helped build and celebrates its completion. But will this community hold? Will neighbor still love neighbor?
This thoughtful debut novel is by poet Henrietta DuCap from Byron Center, Mich. DuCap’s respectful worldview values us humans and the decisions we must make—and their costs. (Hidden Shelf Publishing)
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the 2024 novel, The Surface of Water, and the writing book, Creative Juices for Writers. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt. In 2025-6, she will serve as Artist in Residence in Dundee, Scotland.