In the 1850s, during the time of the California Gold Rush, Rosabel and Sophie become best friends because they are both outsiders. Rosabel is African American and Sophie is Jewish. Rosabel has freedom papers, but her mother, Miz Violet, is a runaway slave. They have escaped to California, where slavery is against the law. But Miz Violet is not completely safe. The Fugitive Slave Act allows runaway slaves to be captured and returned to their owners.
When a slave catcher shows up and takes Miz Violet away, it is up to Rosabel and Sophie to put their clever minds together and come up with a way to free Miz Violet once and for all.
Using lively language that evokes the West of Gold Rush days, Linda Jacobs Altman has crafted a heartwarming story of love, bravery, and friendship.
Awards
Storytelling World Honor Award
Stories for Young Listeners
Storytelling World
Children's Books of the Year
Cooperative Children's Book Center
Notable Children's Book of Jewish Content
Association of Jewish Libraries
Interest Level
Grades 1 - 4
Reading Level
Grade 3
Themes
African/African American Interest, Friendship, Jewish Interest, Multiethnic interest, Overcoming Obstacles, Sharing & Giving, Slavery, United States History, Poverty
Accelerated Reader
Level: 4.7
Points: .5
Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu have illustrated many award-winning books for Lee & Low, including Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree and Sam and the Lucky Money. Van Wright, a native New Yorker, and Hu, who was born in Taiwan, are a husband and wife team living in New York City.
Ying-Hwa Hu and Cornelius Van Wright have illustrated many award-winning books for Lee & Low, including Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree and Sam and the Lucky Money. Van Wright, a native New Yorker, and Hu, who was born in Taiwan, are a husband and wife team living in New York City.
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