Samantha (occasionally nicknamed "Sam") is an orphan who, at the start of the series, is living with her old-fashioned Grandmary. Samantha only remembers her parents a little bit. She seeks the approval of Grandmary and does not want to disappoint her or worry her. She has been partially raised by her Uncle Gardner, and he is very much a father figure in her life; she wants to please him as well and does not want to be left out of his life even after...

Nine-year-old Nanea Mitchell may be the youngest in her family, but she still wants to "dip her paddle in" and be useful. She knows she's grown-up enough to help in her grandparents' market. But before she can prove that she's ready for more responsibility, the unthinkable happens: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, the naval base where her father works, and America is at war! With friends and family missing, and rumors of more attacks to come, Nanea worries...

"Claudie Wells wants more than anything to be a person whose imagination can fly, instead of a person whose feet are stuck on the ground. She's growing up in the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City during the 1920's, surrounded by writers and poets, painters and sculptors, actors and dancers, singers and musicians. When an eviction notice threatens her family, her friends, and the beloved home they share, Claudie has an idea that just might save...