The year is 1963. When a strange boy, from the future, leads Carrie to a magical book, she and her best friend, Bud, are transported precisely ninety-nine years and nine months back in time. In the midst of the Civil War, our two heroes must quickly adapt to their new surroundings, as they struggle to find meaning in their plight.
The children are taken in by famed human activist, Susan B. Anthony, who finds them cold, hungry and alone. They are expected to work hard and attend school, which is a 3-mile walk back and forth each day. There is no central heat. Fires must be lit and firewood must be hauled. Cooking is done over an open fire or in a wood-burning stove. There is no electricity. People read by candle light or by the light of a kerosene lamp. Outhouses and chamber pots are the worst!
In time, the magical book reveals that there will be three disasters. One by one, the children learn what they will be. As they follow the clues, they encounter the Underground Railroad, Union spies, Confederate spies, counterspies, a clan of Seneca Indians, a mysterious grave that glows, and much more.
Will they be able to do what is required of them? Will they ever return home?