In an immediate, first-person narrative, Ayers brings the Underground Railroad to life through the eyes of a spirited 16-year-old girl whose family home is used to usher slaves to freedom. The Preface gives the historic background and explains the author's research. The characters' routes are shown on a map of Ohio's Underground Railroad.
It's 1851 and Lucy Spencer's family is keeping a secret. Their Ohio home is a station on the Underground Railroad, the network of people and places that helps fugitive slaves escape to freedom in Canada. Lucy believes in what she and her family do to help the fugitives, even if it means putting herself in danger.

So Lucy doesn't hesitate when she is asked to stay with the Widow Aurelia Mercer and help her with a family of runaway slaves hiding in her attic. And she learns so much from her experience--about growing up, love, and standing on her own. But what will Lucy do when she is asked to make the ultimate sacrifice and leave all she loves behind?