Will's Race for Home: A Western

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

★ Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award ★
★ A New York Times bestseller ★
★ "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?

Includes stunning black-and-white illustrations throughout

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GN24KNP2
• ISBN13: 9798855178883
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
• Length: 196 Pages
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7