Thirteen-year-old Dan Dobson and his family have just immigrated to Upper Canada from the American States when the War of 1812 flares up. Their neighbours in the town of York, today's Toronto, suspect them of spying for the Americans, but the Dobsons are loyal to Britain and determined to remain in York. Dan's dream is to sail with the British frigate Sir Isaac Brock which he and his father are helping to build. He sees war as an exciting adventure, that is until he gets his first taste of battle on the day the American forces invade York.