A modern-day Huck Finn, Buck casts off down the river accompanied by an eccentric crew of daring shipmates. Over the course of his voyage, Buck steers his fragile wooden craft through narrow channels dominated by massive cargo barges, rescues his first mate gone overboard, sails blindly through fog, clashes with overzealous period reenactors, and much more. In addition, he charts his own geographical and emotional journey while also delivering a richly...

Dexter, an eleven-year-old boy with AIDS, and his friend Erik build a raft and set sail down the Mississippi River, determined to find a New Orleans doctor they believe has a cure. Their journey gives Dexter a chance to experience life as it should be lived and will change both boys' lives forever.