Travel back to the mid-nineteenth century through the eyes of children who actually experienced the beginnings of America's Age of Reform. Readers of all ages will discover diverse economic and ethnic communities-white upper and middle class, immigrants and free blacks-through the interactions of children in Worcester, Massachusetts with real historic characters. The reader steps into orphaned Eliza McLoughlin's childhood at a moment of crisis to discover her limited choices along her path, but there is hope. Many adults were urging reforms in all aspects of life. We continue to feel the impact on our own lives more than 150 years later. Liza's story is based on fact to illustrate how the reader can also open gates to the past to discover their role to improve one's personal life, as well as that of society as a whole. This book celebrates the power and responsibility each individual has, regardless of age, to make informed conscious decisions to shape their lives.