Will's race for home A western

Black 12-year-old Will sets out with his mule Belle and his sharecropper father to claim land in this riveting historical saga by Rhodes (Treasure Island), set during the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. Desperate to escape his boring life and experience his own adventure ("I want to do something. Leave our tiresome home"), Will is determined to prove himself during the trip despite Father's claims that he's "not tough." But the journey proves difficult as the two contend with rattlesnakes, racism, and thieves. After they encounter a former Union soldier named Caesar and his horse, Midnight, Will and Father's relationship begins to evolve as Will learns more about the cost of freedom for Black people. Short, quickly paced chapters depict Will's fight for survival and his noble, ever-present desire to provide a better future for his family. Ripe with historical facts and moments of high tension, this adventurous story reflects on the aftereffects of violence on soldiers and what life looked like for Black citizens following the conclusion of the Civil War. It's an empowering read that never loses sight of Will's profound exploration of adolescence. Ages 8--12. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Jan.)

Gr 6 Up--Will Samuels has always dreamed of adventure; but when he and his father set off to claim land in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, he discovers that adventure in the Wild West may be more treacherous than he thought. Will, a young Black sharecropper in Texas, has thirsted for a chance to prove himself in the great American landscape. When his father comes home with a flier advertising the Oklahoma Land Rush, he jumps at the chance to join him. For Black folk in the American West, the journey is a tough one with enemies at every turn. As they unite with a former Union soldier, Caesar, who is also Black, Will matures under the hardships and triumphs of the American dream as a Black family. Written in hauntingly engaging prose, this brutal and heartrending depiction of a vital coming-of-age story is sure to grip readers. Short chapters and succinct language will draw in younger tweens, while the hard-hitting (and often forgotten) story of Black individuals carving out their place in the Oklahoma Land Rush will appeal to older ones. Rhodes deftly captures a unique aspect of this historical event, with a perspective that is often under-represented in historical fiction. VERDICT A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy for all libraries.--Ashton Conley

Twelve-year-old William Samuels sets out on the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush with his father and their faithful mule, Belle. One evening in 1888, Will's father, who was formerly enslaved, comes home late with news that changes the family's lives forever. He's carrying a flyer announcing a land rush more than 400 miles away from where they live as sharecroppers in Texas. This opportunity means they could build property on land that belongs only to them, land that Will could inherit just like the sons of the white men they work for. It also means adventure. They make plans for Will and Father to set off on the trek together, but nothing can truly prepare Will for what's to come, from the grueling wilderness terrain to the dangerous people and deadly snakes they encounter. Father and son also meet a mysterious ex-Union soldier named Caesar, who helps when they're in dire straits and joins them on their journey. When major responsibility for the success of their venture falls on Will's shoulders, he pushes through, despite facing threats until the very end. The short chapters make this fast-paced and eventful ride through the West an accessible and engaging read. Although Will's internal and external conflicts are central to the story, Rhodes' well-developed peripheral characters have incredible depth, adding complexity to the straightforward adventure. Final art not seen. An exciting gallop through real history with little-known heroes taking the lead. (author's note)(Historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.