In 1835, 13 year old Thomas Jefferson Boyd is used to facing new challenges having left homes in South Carolina and Alabama. Now he finds himself in the Mexican territory of Texas and is left with the burden of helping his family adapt to their new homes. In the months that follow, he struggles to decide the difference between his friends and his enemies.

When the Depression strikes America, throwing millions out of work, Petey Williamson's family seems safe. Hadn't the boss promised Petey's father that he'd always have a job? But during the Depression, promises cannot always be kept, and Petey finds his family sliding rapidly into poverty. And when Petey's much-admired cousin Steve starts working as a union organizer in the battle to improve conditions for workers, poverty turns into tragedy. "Collier...