Born enslaved in South Carolina, Smalls witnesses great privilege and immense suffering alongside his owner's daughter and the dangerous son of a firebrand secessionist. When he's only twelve, he's put to work in Charleston, where he loads ships and learns to pilot a cotton steamer. When the war erupts and his cotton steamer becomes a confederate warship, Robert seizes the opportunity to  attempt a daring escape from slavery and pursue freedom for himself and the people he loves. 

Robert Smalls is one of America's great unsung heroes, and Trouble the Water finally brings his story into the light.

Perfect for fans of The Invention of Wings.