Persecuted French Huguenots, Daniel and his family courageously travel from France to the Caribbean to New York to New Rochelle, always hopeful and hardworking. A humble group of weavers, 9 year old Daniel and his family are threatened by the French Catholics. Being devout Huguenots, they decide to flee to England via the city of La Rochelle rather than surrender and take the Catholic vow. But during their flight to the French coast, a soldier wounds Daniel's leg, jeopardizing their plans.
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Finally the family reaches La Rochelle and finds a fishing boat willing to take them on the first leg of their journey. However, once on board the family finds out that they were mislead; they are on a slave ship bound for West Africa! Unable to disembark, they can only hope for a safe crossing.
All is not well, however. Daniel's leg worsens, he suffers from seasickness, and the ships boy hints darkly about what is in store. After 2 months, the ship docks in Cape Verde and Daniel is horrified to see slaves, chained and despairing, herded onto their ship. He hates the way the slaves are treated and makes friends with a little African girl, Seynabou. Nevertheless, is glad enough to get off the ship when it docks at the Sugar Islands.
During their stay in the Sugar Islands, the family lives with a wealthy French nobleman, who, to Daniel's dismay, owns slaves. After researching the area, the father decides to move to America rather than return to Europe. The family leaves yet another life behind as they continue their search for belonging and prosperity.
Arriving in New York City, Daniel is introduced to yet another fascinating culture and lifestyle. Trying to make a fresh start in life, the family endures the busy, crowded city for a while, then decides and start a settlement in the countryside.
Braving the challenges of the wilderness, the family founds the settlement of New Rochelle, and gradually they fall into the routines of farming and surviving. Daniel is glad of Seynabou's friendship, as they have managed to stick together throughout all the chaos. Although his father is focused only on tilling the land to provide for his family, Daniel secretly builds a loom, hoping to revive the weaving business.
The story ends happily as Daniel completes his first piece of cloth, its beauty and wholesomeness reflecting the life he has built in America.
Best part of story, including ending:
Daniel's family goes from being persecuted by irate soldiers to being the founders of a small but successful town in the New World.
Best scene in story:
In America Daniel uses his handmade loom to make his own cloth, taking up the job after being interrupted so many years ago in France. There is a feeling of completion and fullfillment as he finishes what he meant to start.
Opinion about the main character:
Daniel's wounded leg constantly plagues him, but he does not wallow in self-pity. Rather, he empathizes with those less fortunate than him, and befriends the slaves aboard the ship.
