Ruined by Reading

Chasing the North Star is the story of a slave named Jonah who learns to read as he serves his master’s children, listening in on their lessons. He is whipped when he is found reading in the hayloft, accused of stealing a book he was given by the mistress. Humiliated and hurt, Jonah decides impulsively to leave with a few coins, a knife, and little else but his wits—which are a considerable asset. Along the way, Jonah is joined by a young woman named Angel, who believes that following a mostly unwilling Jonah will take her north as surely as following the star or the list of names Jonah treasures. The perilous journey of these two young people winds and twists along, tossing them together and pulling them apart again and again.

Compelling and nail-biting, this historical novel will keep you reading long after the north star appears. Those who enjoyed The Invention of Wings and The Last Runaway would also like this book.