I happened on this book in a discard box. I absolutely loved it from start to finish! Wonderful story about a young boy who pairs up with a black man who is dreaming of a new life. (I can't remember if he is a runaway slave...) They face many adventures together as they travel the canals together. The relationship they form is warm and trusting, and they both learn a great deal from each other. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to young people just learning about that period of American History.
An excellent book.
