Henry Shackleford is a young slave living in the Kansas Territory in 1856, when the region is a battleground between anti- and pro-slavery forces. When the legendary abolitionist John Brown arrives in the area, an argument between Brown and Henrys master quickly turns violent. Henry is forced to leave town-with Brown, who believes hes a girl. Over the ensuing months, Henry-whom Brown nicknames Little Onion-conceals his true identity as he struggles to stay alive. Eventually, Little Onion finds himself with Brown at the historic raid on Harpers Ferry-one of the great catalysts for the Civil War.

2013 National Book Award