Austin Hutchinson would love living on Uncle Drayton's rice plantation if his uncle didn't own slaves. Is it possible for one person to have such control over another? Austin is puzzled. So when he learns that Henry-James is illiterate, Austin resolves to teach his new friend how to read even if it is illegal to educate slaves. But that only leads to trouble! Uncle Drayton is furious when he realizes Henry-James has secretly been given lessons, and locks him in an old shack until he can be sold. Can Austin free Henry-James without getting them both into more trouble? Will he be able to forgive Uncle Drayton for being so harsh? Will Austin ever understand why Jesus forgives him?The Christian Heritage Series is an ongoing line of Focus on the Family youth books that explores the role of faith and family throughout American history. These engaging stories help young readers better understand their country, its values, and its God. The Charleston Years books take place in early 1860s South Carolina.Nancy Rue's writings have appeared in a number of youth publications, including Clubhouse, Campus Life, and Teens Today. She has won a number of literary honors, including the 1991 C.S. Lewis Honor Book Award.