Carrie has been a kitchen slave in Sam Fraunces' tavern in New York City for as long as she can remember. But after she narrowly escapes a kidnapper, Carrie becomes more curious about her mysterious past. After all, she doesn't even know her own last name. When her friend Dan Arabus comes to town, he talks about his dream of buying his mother's freedom with the Continental notes his father left him. Deciding to help Dan discover how much the notes are worth, Carrie finds herself eavesdropping on Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and President Washington himself. What's more, Carrie also stumbles upon the startling truth about her own family.

James Lincoln Collier has written many books for children, includingGive Dad My Best andPlanet out of the Past. He has also contributed more than five hundred articles to theNew York Times Magazine,Reader's Digest, andBoy's Life. His honors include the Kidger Prize for Teaching, the Jane Addams Peace Prize, and the Newbery Honor.