This story takes place right in the heat of the Civil Rights movement.  In the first 10 pages, a white boy (Gabriel) gets into some trouble and is saved by a very kind black man (Meriwether).  As a way to thank him, Gabriel gets Meriwether a job at his dad’s mechanic shop – despite the potential conflict with the other mechanics.

Gabriel begins to see Meriwether as a friend which is met with mixed feelings by other people in the community.  Gabriel also learns that Meriwether proudly served the United States during WWII, but feels he has to keep his service a secret to keep his family safe from members of the community who aren’t quite ready for equality.

This book is full of life lessons on friendship, equality, and standing up for what’s right.