After his family is killed and his house burnt down by invading Americans, Theo Bentley vows to retaliate. He will burn down the house of the President of the United States.But how? As he's only thirteen, the militia won't let him join up. Then a friend of his guardian offers a chance for them to become British spies in Baltimore.During the long trek down from Canada to Baltimore, Theo learns that Americans are not much different from people he knows back in York, Upper Canada. Some good; some bad. Furthermore, he likes them. But is that enough to stop him from going to war against the United States? Will be still keep his vow to set fire to the White House?