Twelve-year-old Edward is not going to America by choice. In fact, he hates the idea What's a kid to do without friends and his dog? The answer comes soon enough. On board the Mayflower, Edward meets a new friend. Together he and Andrew spy on a sailor who would like to get rid of all Pilgrims. They discover a stow-away with a dog. Stolen food and a threatened duel add to the excitement. Danger lurks. Storms beat against the Mayflower and threaten the voyage. Sickness strikes and Edward, who wants to be a man, must find ways to help his family.