When Lizzie's parents are granted their freedom from slavery, Mama says it's time for Lizzie and her brother Paul to go to a real school - a new one, built just for them. Lizzie can't wait. The scraps of learning she has picked up here and there have just made her hungry for more. The walk to school is long and dangerous. The schoolhouse is still unpainted, and it's very plain, but Lizzie has never seen a prettier sight. Except for maybe the teacher, Mizz Howard, who has brown skin, just like her. They've finally made it, can is it strong enough to last forever?