Although the characters are fictional, authenticity rings throughout this outstanding novel depicting events and places in rural South Carolina in the 1860s and representing the diversity of persons, experiences and opinions during the Civil War. The double-edged title refers to trust and decisions as well as to the escapes of African Americans from bondage. This historical novel accurately documents the military participation of blacks in the Civil War. (Age 13 and older)

Obi had never forgotten the sounds of his mother's screams on the day he was sold away from her. Making plans to run away to find her was a secret game he played with friend Buka, an old African who lived at the edge of the farm.

When the Civil War began, Obi knew it was time to run -- or be sold again. If he was caught, he'd be killed...or worse. But if he stayed, he might never know freedom.