This novel-in-verse about 19th-century Black pioneers is told in three female voices: Lettie, 11; her mother, Sylvia; and Philomena, 18. The decision of Lettie’s family, which includes two younger brothers, to head west is driven by Lettie’s father Thomas. Thomas talks big to cover the hurt of a painful past in slavery, and of not being able to do all he’d like for their family under the yoke of Mississippi racism in 1879. When Thomas hears that Nebraska is welcoming homesteaders without regard to race, he insists they go despite Sylvia’s reluctance to leave extended family. This immersive, finely detailed story follows their journey as part of a group of Black homesteaders. There are tensions, twists, and turns as they leave everything they knew behind and venture into the unknown. Philomena joins them in Independence, Missouri; Lettie’s parents need the money she can pay to accompany them to Nebraska, where she has a teaching job waiting. Spirited and independent, Philomena eventually becomes an essential part of Lettie’s family. A compelling narrative full of challenges, adventure, heartbreak, and hope, the potential appeal of this story to middle grade readers is huge, although the unfortunate book design—particularly the unusually small font—may demand adult encouragement to convince some to pick it up.

Three women narrate a perilous wagon journey westward that could set them free—or cost them everything they have—in this intergenerational verse novel that explores the history of the Black homesteader movement.

1879, Mississippi. Young dreamer Lettie may have her head in the stars, but her body is on a covered wagon heading westward. Her father, Thomas, promises that Nebraska will be everything the family needs: an opportunity to claim the independence they’ve strived for over generations on their very own plot of land.

But Thomas’ hopes—and mouth—are bigger than his ability to follow through. With few supplies and even less money, the only thing that feels certain is danger.


Right after the war ended/and we were free/we believed/all of us did/that couldn’t nothing hurt us/the way master had when we were slaves/Couldn’t no one tell us/how to live/how to die.

Lettie, her mother, Sylvia, and young teacher Philomena are free from slavery—but bound by poverty, access to opportunity, and patriarchal social structures. Will these women survive the hardships of their journey? And as Thomas’ desire for control overpowers his common sense, will they truly be free once they get there?

Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome’s striking verse masterfully portrays an underrepresented historical era. Tackling powerful themes of autonomy and Black self-emancipation, Cline-Ransome offers readers an intimate look into the lives of three women and an expansive portrait of generations striving for their promised freedom.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
One of Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids
A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children’s Book of the Year