In 1970 thirteen-year-old Marika dreams of going to Harvard to study economics, but her parents both believe that a woman's place is in the home; Marika does not understand why they are so attached to "traditional values," especially since they defied convention when they were married at a time when interracial marriages were illegal in many states--so Marika defies her parents and joins her Black friend, Beth, and her parents and attends the Women's Strike for Equality without permission.

In 1970 thirteen-year-old Marika dreams of going to Harvard to study economics, but her parents both believe that a woman's place is in the home; Marika does not understand why they are so attached to "traditional values," especially since they defied convention when they were married at a time when interracial marriages were illegal in many states--so Marika defies her parents and joins her Black friend, Beth, and her parents and attends the Women's Strike for Equality without permission.

When a massive fire breaks out in 1871 Chicago, twelve-year-old orphan Ollie and his young charge Leo scramble to escape the burning city, but before they find shelter they must search for Ollie's lost sister Eliza among the wreckage.

Twelve-year-old Ollie is struggling to get by as an orphan in 1871 Chicago. He finds work as a servant for the wealthy Burnham family, including caring for five-year-old Leo Burnham. But Ollie has a little sister of his own--Eliza. Ollie saves every penny he can to someday get Eliza out of an orphan asylum and support them both. Then a massive fire breaks out in the city, and chaos descends. Suddenly Ollie must not only escape the burning city with little Leo, but he must find his lost sister among the wreckage as well. Will Ollie's wits and bravery be enough to save the Burnham's son and his own sister?