Frances Schoonmaker Boeken

Part of the 'Poetry for Young People' series, this book offers a collection of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry, accompanied by illustrations.

The story follows Sid Johnson, who is entrusted with a mysterious letter linked to a potential family history or a hidden Spanish treasure, known as Esteban's Cross. As he embarks on a treacherous journey along the Santa Fe Trail, Sid faces the harsh realities of disease and hostility from fellow travelers, all while grieving the loss of his home. The stakes rise when the letter goes missing just as he must rescue his sister from kidnappers, forcing him to discover the true meaning of friendship and courage amidst adversity.

Set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, Sid Johnson grapples with the secrets of his family's farm and their connection to a mysterious figure known as the "Phantom." As bounty hunters threaten their safety and civil unrest looms, Sid's determination to protect his family intensifies. When they decide to leave for the West, he hopes to escape the complexities of slavery, only to discover that the issue is far from behind him. His journey reveals deeper connections to the struggle against slavery along the Santa Fe Trail.