Take a trip back in time and across the globe with this heartwarming story of adventure and high-stakes decision-making. In 1942 Berlin, Uwe Johannes is slated for a brilliant career as a physicist at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute. As Werner Heisenberg's student, Uwe would have remained in the inner circle if not for his family's humanitarian work. The Third Reich intervenes and Uwe ends up fighting on the front line in Tunisia, but he carries classified information detailing their work towards an atom bomb hidden on a medal. It is up to Uwe to decide if and when to share his secret with the world. Uwe's outlook expands as the war takes him to unexpected places. Captured by the Allies, Uwe is taken on board a prison ship, on a fast paced march through New York City, on a train ride across America's heartland, and ultimately to a prisoner of war camp in Arkansas. He extricates himself from field labor by utilizing his mechanical skills to become head of the prison camp motor pool, and by teaching math and physics.

Uwe's encounter with a violent Nazi faction within the prison camp results in his near death and transfer to an off-site army hospital. A rare opportunity arises and Uwe joins a clandestine Allied research program operating out of a private home. Living with a local family immerses Uwe further into the culture. Although they have sent three sons to war, the family welcomes him. The happy time is cut short when a Russian spy network infiltrates the town. Uwe's data is stolen. Panicked, he runs away to retrieve his medal. He isn't alone because Fredericka, the housekeeper's daughter, runs with him.

She becomes Uwe's guide as they chase the thieves. The mixed-race couple become quick friends on their journey through rural, segregated Arkansas. They make friends over delicious Wednesday night suppers as they try to unravel the mystery of who took the medal where. It is a story of character and judgment in a chaotic world, a story of friendships, neighbors, a good dog and brother love.