The White Isle is Britain-a barbaric land to the patrician Claudian family exiled from Hadrian's Rome, but an island of strange enchantment and stirring adventures to their daughter, Lavinia. The story of Lavinia and her family, of their long, arduous, and constantly exciting trip through Gaul to the farthest province of the empire, begins in Rome and comes to a romantic climax in the new home. It portrays a spirited picture of Roman life in Gaul and Britain.

Because Favonius Claudius, Lavinia's father, had been too much in sympathy with the old Republic, he had incurred the Emperor's disfavor, and was suddenly appointed legatus to faraway Britain. The family hears that Britain is a land cold and unforgiving, and their hearts are filled with trepidation. But, after sad farewells and a suddenly canceled wedding, the whole family and their retinue begin their long journey through the northern provinces and into Gaul along Roman roads still famed today. In Britain at last, Lavinia finds her true home.

Lavinia's new experiences; her moving introduction to Christianity just taking root in Britain; and her romance with a young British-born Rome make for a great story, expertly told by two-time Newbery honor medal winner Caroline Dale Snedeker.