When Samuel, a free black orphan, speaks up for his unfairly accused younger brother, his life is turned upside down. Taken away from the only family he has, Samuel, now christened Friday, must make sense of his life as a new slave; working at a ranch as a corn picker, becoming involved in the terrible fighting, and living amongst strangers. Samuel is determined to find his younger brother again, and despite enduring horrors during his journey, he faces adversity with courage and optimism while still retaining his character and dignity as a boy. An epic novel set in the nineteenth century, which spans a nation, and reflects myriad ideas for young adults and adults alike.