The story is set in 1863, when Katie O'Farrel's father believes Irish men shouldn't have to fight in the American Civil War, since slavery is not their problem. Katie struggles with her father's anger and doesn't want her brother forced into war in place of a rich man's son. When she meets Jimmy, she realizes that friendship can cross both race and class. But as the New York Draft Riots erupt, Katie must help jimmy survive, even at the risk of losing her family or her own life.