Freedom's Eve is a historical fiction children's book that follows Layla, a little mouse living in an antique shop, who is magically transported back to a South Carolina plantation during the Civil War era by the spirit of Hawa, a young enslaved girl. Through Hawa's guidance, Layla witnesses the realities of slavery from New Year's Eve 1862 (when the Emancipation Proclamation took effect) through the eventual freedom that came in 1865. The story explores the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of enslaved people, their rich Gullah culture and language, and their journey to freedom. Written by Dawn Caldwell with illustrations by Bryce Caldwell, the book aims to teach honest history about slavery while honoring the strength and cultural heritage of the Gullah people.

Layla, a mouse who lives in Nana's antique store, Tales Retold, likes to explore the treasures when the store closes. One cold night, while Layla is resting from her romp, a young slave girl named Hawa appears and invites Layla to join her on a historic adventure. Together, they journey back through time to visit Hawa's plantation home where Layla learns that history should never be censored, cultures should never be forgotten, and freedom should never be taken for granted.