The story of the American War of Independence is told from the perspective of a boy, Tim Meeker, living with his parents and older brother in the small town of Redding, Connecticut. When his older brother joins the ranks of the rebels, thirteen-year-old Tim becomes the support of his parents - he helps clean the tavern, takes care of the cattle, goes into the forest for firewood, and even goes with his father on a long journey, on which serious trials await them. The war, the suffering of people, the loss of loved ones force Tim to grow up quickly, and at the end of the book we see him as a young man - full of dignity and determination to stand up for himself and his loved ones. The book is intended for everyone who is interested in American history.