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Lucky was done sizing up the kidnapper; the Nightbird would soon sail and he intended to be aboard. His mind had already leapt ahead from whaleman’s commandment #3 (fight anytime you think you can win) to whaleman’s commandment #4 (run when you know you can’t win). This was a case of fish or cut bait, and Lucky would be cutting. Right out the open window to his left, he decided. Probably a ways up from the ground, but it couldn’t be helped.

“And you are?” he said, turning his gaze back to the man’s face and its wide, ugly smile. Three strides, he figured, then a leap of faith and—if he survived that—freedom.

“You don’t recognize me?” the man asked.

“The unfamiliar but engrossing topic and fast-paced action will keep readers interested...a welcome and well-written work of history.”

--Kirkus Reviews

The year is 1739, and Jem has escaped his cruel master and gone south—to
Fort Mose, near St. Augustine, where the Spanish have promised freedom to fugitive slaves in exchange for their loyalty and commitment to help fight the English. Jem dreams of joining the militia, but he’s in the custody of Phaedra, a difficult and angry woman who won’t let him. He thought he was free, he thought he was a man—but Phaedra controls his every move. When rumors of strange happenings in the nearby forest make some fear black magic or English spies, Jem sees the chance for adventure and independence. He has conjure beads to protect him. But will they be enough?

As Jem turned to leave, his eyes met Domingo’s. An odd expression crossed the older boy’s face, disappearing in a trice.
    He knows something, Jem decided as the fire’s comforting
glow faded behind him. Does he suspect what I’m planning to do?
    Then another thought struck him hard.
    Maybe he knows what’s out there.

* * *

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A 2012 NCSS/CBC

Notable Social Studies

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for Young People

A Pennsylvania

School Library Association’s

Young Adult Top 40 (or so)

Winner-2012

Massachusetts

Book Award for

Children/Young Adults