Thirteen-year-old Jacob's life is hard in 1920s Poland, where he lives in an orphanage for Jewish children. His days are brightened by playing in the mandolin orchestra. When an American benefactor arrives with the promise of a new life at the Canadian Jewish Farm School--and even the dream of playing a benefit concert at New York's Carnegie Hall--Jacob and his friends are thrilled. But can they trust this man to keep his promises? The children travel by train and by ship, where a stowaway becomes dangerously sick. Jacob must overcome his fears and doubts to help his friends face the challenges of their journey to this new life.

A children's book inspired by the true story of Jewish orphans who came to Canada to learn farming only to find their way to Carnegie Hall.