Twelve-year-old Lightfoot, a Cherokee maiden, looks on in horror as her family's house lies in ashes. What would you do if a stranger stormed into your home and ordered you to leave? What if that person was armed and had the backing-and blessing---of the Federal government? Would you acquiesce or fight? In this historical novel, Lynelle Mason does a beautiful job of giving insight into the life and culture of the Cherokee Indians at a difficult time in their history. Readers can readily identify with Lightfoot, the main character, as well as the members of her family and community. The book holds the reader's interest and is a delightful way to learn history.