The Babes in the Basket; or, Daph and Her Charge

"The Babes in the Basket; or, Daph and Her Charge" by Sarah S. Baker is a 19th-century novel that follows Daph, a caretaker, who embodies sacrifice and loyalty, and bravely rescues two white children, Charlie and Louise, from looming threats tied to their families' troubles. The story follows Daph's daring escape with the children, an adventure marked by challenges and her unwavering commitment to protect them with hints of the dangers coming soon. Her journey begins under the quiet cover of night, where she secretly gives medicine to the sleeping children, disguised as fruit, before they all escape on a ship. This act starts a series of struggles for Daph, focusing on her emotional strength as she deals with a world full of hardships in her role as a loving caregiver.