My Trelawney: Tonia's Story — Jacqueline Grant

In My Trelawney: Tonia's Story a Jamaican slave girl named Tonia tells of her life living on a sugar plantation in 17th century Jamaica. Tonia and her Mama have worked as slaves all their lives. They are owned by Mistress Charlene who tries to be kind to them, but their lives are made hell by Mistress Charlene's nephew; Master William. Knowing that Master William will inherit the plantation when his aunt dies, Tonia must do something to protect herself and Mama. When Maggie â€" the daughter of the new English minister â€" arrives the adventure begins. Maggie is also afraid of what William will do to her and her mother so the two girls plan a daring escapade. This is how they end up as buccaneers sailing to Panama with Henry Morgan's rowdy crew of pirates. In the process they uncover Trelawney's secrets and the reason for Master William's horrible behavior.
Tonia and Maggie learn about fear and heartache, but they also learn that no matter how bad the situation may seem, there is always hope if they don't give up. Readers of My Trelawney will learn about buccaneers, maroons, plantation life, sugar cane, historical costumes, burial ceremonies, and seventeenth-century customs and settings.