Michael's Song: Canto I

This series about the American Civil War follows Michael Toussaint Bradford, a young light-skinned slave who must leave the love of his life to escape from his master and join the Union Army. Michael becomes the quintessential soldier while struggling with his dual identity.

In this first book of the series, Cleverly affecting a daring escape from a Mississippi plantation, Michael, a young slave of mixed racial heritage, feels northward. With the help of a poor farmer and a steamship pilot he makes it to Wisconsin where he gets hired at a small café run by an immigrant German woman and her large teenage son Hans. Hans and Michael become fast friends and Michael thinks he is finally safe.

But the Civil War begins. Like many others at the beginning of the war Hans eagerly wants to join the army. Michael is terrified when Hans insists that Michael enlist with him. He knows if he goes South that he could be enslaved or killed. Reluctantly, Michael agrees to go with his friend. The Union soldiers accept Hans’ claim that Michael is part Indian and allow him to enlist.

The two teenagers fight side by side in the bloody confusion at Pittsburg Landing. And through it all Michael must deal with his deception and dual identity as he fights for his people, his freedom, and his friend.