As far as historical fiction for kids goes, this has a strong sense of historical accuracy, even starting each chapter in the manner that Colson Whitehead often does in [b:The Underground Railroad|30555488|The Underground Railroad|Colson Whitehead|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493178362s/30555488.jpg|48287641], with a lost slave newspaper description. The characters themselves, especially the narrator's sister, aren't well developed, but the plot surprises and the historical picture painted is insightful. But given it's intended audience, this is well crafted.