When thirteen-year-old Amelina saves the life of a young Yankee spy found injured near her Louisiana home in 1863, the orphaned girl creates a dangerous situation for herself and her uncle.
In Texas in 1886, Ellen finds her desire to be a cattle rancher discouraged by family members who do not think it a proper choice for a girl, but she proves her worth when drought threatens the ranch.
Orphaned Katie Rose, nearing the end of her journey to Oregon County where she hopes to be taken in by her uncle and cousins, begins to wonder what life will be like for her, and for her beloved Mustang, which she plans to give its freedom.
In 1933, when her father's foot injury makes it impossible for him to do farm work for a while, thirteen-year-old Agnes steps in, proving herself and revealing her understanding of him.
When her wounded brother returns from battle, twelve-year-old Mary must get help for him without telling her father, a wealthy Tory, who has disowned his son for joining General Washington's Continental Army.
Sixth grader Janey G. Blue, living on Oahu while her father works at Hickam Airfield, is caught up in the terrifying events of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Twelve-year-old Emma receives unexpected friendship from an African-American roustabout and a Union soldier during an explosion on the steamboat Sultana in 1865.