Thirteen-year-old Claudia learns about the American justice system when, while studying for an American history quiz at Anna's house, she and her friend Monica are accused of stealing ten dollars and their classmates believe them to be guilty, based on circumstantial evidence.

Diane G. Gallagher lives in Florida with her husband, Marty Burke, five dogs, three cats, and a cranky parrot. A professional folk musician in the 1970s, Gallagher also wrote songs and dabbled in whimsical fantasy art in the 1980s. She is best known for her hand-colored print series, "Woof: The House Dragon", and she won a Hugo for Best Fan Artist 1988. "The Alien Dark" (TSR1990) was her first published novel. Gallagher has written over 70 titles, including books in the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Charmed", Smallville", and "Star Trek" series.