Twelve-year-old Mary Jemison takes her peaceful days on her family’s farm for granted—until, one day in 1758, something happens that changes her life forever. A band of warriors invades the Jemisons’ house and takes the family captive, separating Mary from her parents and siblings. Mary travels with the Indians to a Seneca village, and her new life is not easy. She misses her family terribly and is unaccustomed to Seneca ways. But even after several attempts to run away, the Indians are kind to Mary and teach her about the earth, its plants, and its creatures. When Mary is finally given the chance to return to the world of white men, she struggles to make a choice.