It’s 1889 and the US has recently passed the Chinese Expulsion Act and the Scott Act, barring the entrance of new Chinese immigrants. “Tacoma mobs” take the laws into their own hands by beating and murdering Chinese workers, but it’s profitable to smuggle them in for the harsh work in quarries, railroads, mines, and canneries. When young Clementine Nesbitt pulls aboard a burlap bag with a body inside, she sets into motion an exciting chase across the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington. Tong-Ling is still alive, and to save him from his would-be murderers, Clem must sail him across to Whatcom Island, a long and dangerous odyssey that tests Clem’s courage and skills. Clem is very much a part of the island world Martin beautifully evokes, bringing to life a place, time, and history that will be new to most readers. The author’s note connects this story with the smuggling of human cargo still occurring today. (map, photograph, bibliography) (Fiction. 9-13)
