This is the first and only historical fiction adventure story that traces the origins of the traditional American step dance “clogging” back to its Southern Appalachian Mountain roots and beyond. This book is well written with multiple converging stories that are easy to follow involving the difficult journeys and imposing challenges faced by the main characters. The book successfully engages the reader in a compelling adventure and educational journey with very believable characters. The book not only entertains but is filled with accurate historical accounts of the cultures who came to America, settled the Southeast and created Southern Appalachian culture, music and dance.

The traumatic life journeys of the main characters expose the young reader to the human condition in several highly charged, emotional events in history that are treated with great sensitivity by the author. These events include the plight of the Cherokees and the Trail of Tears, the African slave trade, American slavery, and the flight of the Irish from the extreme poverty of the Great Irish Famine.

I was particularly moved by the historical detail and emotional impact surrounding the experiences of several of the characters to the point that I felt I was actually there. These included Tommy's escape from Ireland to Liverpool, England and what he and his family encountered there and on their subsequent journey across the Atlantic Ocean to America on the sailing ship the Queen of the West. Another example was the capture and enslaving of a young West African woman and her horrible experiences on a slave ship as it travelled across the Atlantic Ocean along the Middle Passage to America.

In addition, the author incorporates many important concepts about music and rhythm and somehow also manages to teach the fundamentals of “The Basic” clogging step along the way. Song lyrics, some original, for many traditional tunes are woven into the storyline. As if all this weren’t enough, the author finds a way to incorporate a great deal of information about the history and use of many early American folk instruments that helped form the roots of Southern Appalachian music.

The young reader is exposed to the elements of a normal grief reaction and the consequences of avoiding strong feelings. The story also incorporates character lessons involving sharing, cooperation, sense of community, self-trust and the importance of honoring one’s ancestral heritage.

The story in this book offers the reader hope for the future. It reaches out not only to those with Native American, African and European heritage, but to all those present in America today. Although focusing on the folk dance clogging, the author successfully employs symbolism and metaphor in presenting his overriding message to the reader to become involved in today’s American culture to help shape our future. This important message comes at a critical time in our history.

This book also has the impact of motivating the reader to learn the traditional American step dance of clogging. To the extent this occurs, the book will have successfully communicated an important message of health to counter the escalating and alarming level of inactivity and obesity, particularly among the youth of our country.

This is a wonderful book written primarily for young readers but it also has a lot to offer adults as well. The Study Guide at the end of the book is filled with creative projects and resources for those who want to learn more.

Not only would I strongly recommend this book to all those in North Carolina where “clogging” has been adopted by the N.C. General Assembly as the official folk dance of the state, but also to all who want to learn more about the courageous journeys and contributions of those who created our Southern Appalachian culture and the wonderful music and dance traditions that resulted from it.

There's so much that I like about this book. I love the mix of fiction and non-fiction. It's vivid and fun yet insightful and informative. I can't wait to share it with my nephews. The book lends itself to many rewarding discussions and activities for children to get in touch with their feelings and heritage. It also promotes artistic ways to express and share them. New dancers, singers and musicians are sure to crop up after reading such a wonderful book.