Addy Walker's family is planning a dangerous escape from slavery in the summer of 1864. But before they can make the escape, the worst happens—Master Stevens decides to sell some of his slaves, including Poppa and Addy's brother, Sam. Addy and Momma take the terrible risk of escaping by themselves, hoping that the family eventually will be together again in Philadelphia. Set during America's own struggle over slavery, the Civil War, Addy's story is one of great courage and love—love of family and love of freedom.

Addy starts her life as a free person in Philadelphia. She learns about reading and writing for the first time - and about the real meaning of freedom.

During the holiday season, Addy and Momma are generous with their meager savings and thrilled by a wonderful surprise.' to 'Addy Walker is a proud, courageous girl growing up in 1864, during the midst of the Civil War. Addy's stories tell of her daring escape with her mother from slavery, and the challenges they face afterward as they try to reunite their family. But Addy's stories are about much more than hardship. They are full of the love and hope that help her get through the worst of times and keep her dreams alive During the holiday season, Addy and Momma are generous with their meager savings and thrilled by a wonderful surprise.

It's springtime in Philadelphia, and Addy and her parents have moved from the garret into a boarding house. There Addy finds a wise and inspiring friend, M'dear. Like many people who grew up enslaved, Addy doesn't know when she was born. M'dear encourages Addy to claim a special day for her birthday, but no day seems just right. One day, M'dear falls ill. When Addy and Sarah take a streetcar to get medicine for her, they face prejudice-and danger. M'dear helps Addy overcome her anger and hurt and gives her a deeper understanding of freedom. When Addy finally claims a birthday, she has grown in many ways. Her birthday is a special day indeed, and the whole city celebrates.

After the Civil War ends, many families like Addy's are searching for their loved ones. This summer, Addy's church is putting on a fund-raising fair to help people hurt by the war. When Addy has to work at the fair with snobby Harriet, their feud heats up again—until tragedy forces the girls to soften their hearts. The fair is a great success. Then, suddenly, the girls discover that the money they've raised has been stolen. Addy saves the day, which ends with a wonderful surprise.

Addy has begun to give up hope of ever having her family together. Then she gets word that baby Esther, Auntie Lula, and Uncle Solomon are on their way to Philadelphia. Addy searches the city for them, but the reunion she dreamed of is mixed with joy and deep sorrow. As Addy prepares for her reading at the Emancipation Celebration, she begins to doubt the words about freedom she is supposed to read. Momma reminds Addy that their family will always be together as long as their love and courage live in her heart.

Addy Walker is a proud, courageous girl growing up in 1864, during the midst of the Civil War. Addy's stories tell of her daring escape with her mother from slavery, and the challenges they face afterward as they try to reunite their family. But Addy's stories are about much more than hardship. They are full of the love and hope that help her get through the worst of times and keep her dreams alive The perfect way to learn about Addy is with a complete set of her six books in an attractive slipcase.