After the soldiers go, Father tells the family, "We must leave right now." "Why?" the boy asks. "Because we do not think the way they think, my son. Hurry!"

Taking only money and a change of clothes, the family flees to the harbor while it is still dark and boards a small fishing boat. "How many days to America?" the little sister asks. "Not many," her father tells her. "Don't be afraid."

But the first night out the engine fails. Food and water run low, and thieves appear in a motor launch. It's many days before the boat reaches America, and when it finally does, the passengers discover it's a special day in more ways than one.

Set in the Caribbean, this picture book tells a dramatic and touching story of present-day refugees who, like the original Pilgrims, have a very personal reason to celebrate Thanksgiving.

From the dust jacket