The End of the World and Beyond by Avi

He's only twelve but since he was charged with thievery, he's being sent to the states to serve as a servant for seven years.  He thought the boat was shipwrecked but the authorities disagreed.  Not only that, they are sending his sister to the states also.  He tries to stay with her but they are separated.  Now what?

Algonquin Young  Readers and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published January 29th.

Oliver has no idea how ugly things can get.  He's put in chains, attached to another prisoner and they all suffer in the hold.  When there's a big storm, they are set free to help the ship stay afloat.  Then they are chained again and return to the hold.

Upon arrival in the states, they are sold into service.  Those with skills go first.  Then the strong ones.  And when it's all over, Oliver has still not been taken.  So he goes to jail...

Someone finally comes and claims him for a ridiculous amount of money.  Now he's an indentured servant and his master is even worse than the ship captain.  He beats Oliver and Bara for no reason.  They work all day and get a small meal before bedtime.  The owner had killed the previous servant he had, so Oliver believes his threats.  All he and Bara can do is try to escape.  And they may die doing that.  There are predators in the swamp besides the humans.

This gives you an idea of how awful things were for slaves and indentured servants.   There's danger, nerves and threats everywhere.  Will Oliver survive?