Told in the style of a traditional tale-"Gather round, my people, gather round," this original story evokes a time when slavers, both white and black, captured free African peoples. Three women of three generations together devise a plan to trick the slavers and save their village of Yao.

Slavers arrive on horseback. They shoot their long guns and capture unarmed farmers. They even shackle children. Abikanile's mother has told her so. Until now, she and all the villagers of Yao had always felt safe, hidden deep within the sheltering forest. Lately, however, whispers and stories have found their way to them...about nearby villages that have been seized. The slavers are getting closer. Now Abikanile must search her heart to find a way to help save her family and all the people of Yao. In graceful prose and breathtaking images Ann Grifalconi and Kadir Nelson share an inspiring tale of a village whose spirit refuses to die - a tale of ingenuity, magic, and above all, courage.