This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong.
Against her wishes, Florence finds herself at the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City, along with her younger sister, Eva. Believing her Mama will come back for her, Florence perseveres. She finds hope and purpose in newfound friends, in the words of female abolitionists and suffragists, in memories of her father's confidence in her, and in a sunflower patch in the back of the orphanage's garden. But when the Draft Riots occur, the orphanage is destroyed in a fire, leaving Florence to wonder if the dreams of a colored girl are even worth pursuing.
Readers will appreciate Florence's honesty and struggle with doing the right thing as they cheer her on in discovering what she truly wants and in committing to following the challenging road to her dream.
Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls, this dramatic, heartwarming novel from Kirstie Myvett . . .
- Transports children into the past and gives them insight into the life of Northern Blacks during slavery with a compelling story full of mystery, mishaps, and meaning;
- Encourages tweens to be a friend in every circumstance and to bring others with them as they succeed;
- Shows children that no matter what expectations the world has for them, they can follow their own dreams;
- Is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Kekla Magoon, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and Christopher Paul Curtis; and
- Includes black-and-white illustrations.
Kirstie Myvett is the author of several books for children, including The Praline Lady (2020), What You Never Knew About Rihanna (2025), and The Moss Picker (2026). Kirstie’s work has also appeared in Country Roads Magazine.
Kirstie is the co-founder of KidLit in Color, a blog that amplifies BIPOC and indigenous voices in the publishing industry. Kirstie believes that representation matters in all places and spaces, especially in the pages of books. When Kirstie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family in the unique city of New Orleans.
Alisha Monnin was born and raised in the rural US in a small village where distance is measured by cornfields. Growing up, she was a voracious reader and daydreamed about going on magical adventures. As an adult, she still spends her days daydreaming and reading, but now her imagination is funneled into her artwork. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her Manx cat named Beignet.
