Petite Orphelin Isle, a tiny Caribbean island near Haiti, where the descendants of African slaves, survivors of an ancient shipwreck, have lived not only in harmony, but also in prosperity for over three-hundred years. Although they might not seem prosperous if judged by “civilized” standards -- having no electricity, computers or television, and the only vehicle is a 1904 Hornsby steam tractor -- the people and their children are happy, healthy, and well-fed, growing their own crops and fishing. They are also well educated and aware of the world around them, though are seldom visited by anyone from that world. To Donte Manuxet, age 13, proficient in mechanical skills as well as seafaring knowledge, there is no place he would rather live; a sentiment shared by his closest friends, Timothy and Thomas Durant, ages 13 and 8, sons of the island’s Chief, and Tiya Millay, age 13, daughter of the Mambo and well-versed in Voodoo. But when a luxurious yacht limps to their island with engine trouble and Donte and his friends meet the captain’s nephew -- Randy Lancaster, also 13, and heir to his deceased father’s fortune -- events begin to transpire that result in them being lost at sea and finding a rusty old cargo steamer apparently abandoned... at least by anyone alive.