The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party

This historical novel for young adults is set in Boston in the 18th century, around the time of the American Revolutionary War. Most of it is narrated by Octavian, a boy who has grown up with his mother, Cassiopeia, an African princess, in a house full of philosophers and scientists. Under their watchful eyes he has been given a classical education and has become a highly skilled violinist.

In time he comes to understand what his powdered wigs and schooling really signify. A second volume followed two years later.