In the turbulent Kansas Territory of 1857, Henry Shackleford, a young enslaved boy, becomes unwittingly involved in the violent struggles between pro and anti-slavery factions. When he is liberated by the infamously fervent abolitionist John Brown, Henry is mistaken for a girl and nicknamed 'Little Onion.' Under this improvised guise, Henry travels across the country with Brown’s motley band of freedom fighters. As he witnesses pivotal events and encounters historical figures, Henry's journey becomes a soul-searching quest for freedom and identity, reaching a crescendo with Brown's radical undertaking at Harpers Ferry, an incident that would spark the flames of the Civil War. 'The Good Lord Bird' blends historical depth with imaginative storytelling, delivering an insightful adventure laced with humor and poignancy.