Intertwining fiction and historical fact, author Laura A. Stewart brings to life the story of a small nineteenth-century farming community’s quest to build Michigan’s first public schoolhouse. Set in 1828 near the grape-vined River Raisin in Michigan, this delightful picture book is narrated by Justus, a young boy who has never held a book other than the family Bible. Now, his close-knit community is gathering to build something he’s only dreamed of: a public schoolhouse.

Follow along as Justus and other real historical characters reveal a glimpse into early 1800s family and farm life as they work together to build the Bridge School. This unique and uplifting story will interest young children as well as older elementary students with its period-accurate illustrations, historical characters, and sidebars illuminating facts about this fascinating time and place.