Will's Race for Home

★ "Rhodes deftly captures a unique ­aspect of this historical event, with a perspective that is ­often under-represented in historical ­fiction. A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the ­historic land rush; a must-buy." -School Library Journal, starred review

Bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes goes West in this thrilling adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush-if they can survive the journey.

It's 1889, barely twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and a young Black family is tired of working on land they don't get to own.

So when Will and his father hear about an upcoming land rush, they set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free--if they can get to it fast enough. But the journey isn't easy--the terrain is rough, the bandits are brutal, and every interaction carries a heavy undercurrent of danger.

And then there's the stranger they encounter and befriend: a mysterious soldier named Caesar, whose Union emblem brings more attention--and more trouble--than any of them need.

All three are propelled by the promise of something long denied to them: freedom, land ownership, and a place to call home--but is a strong will enough to get them there?

Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/14/2025
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Size: 7.88h x 5.50w x 0.89d
ISBN: 9780316299336
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/21/2024
School Library Journal 11/01/2024 pg. 69
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2024
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2024