Synopsis: James, a biracial American almost 13 years old, is the only child of two professional musicians. He is unhappy with their focus on music, which includes hopes for his future. During a visit to London, he travels back to 1600/1601 where he gets a part in a Ben Jonson play and a place in the Children of the Chapel Royal choir. Meanwhile some Londoners for and against the Earl of Essex in his plot against Queen Elizabeth I.