One Big Open Sky

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Synopsis
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.

Copyright:
2024

Book Details

Book Quality:
Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:
9780823457496
Related ISBNs:
9780823450169
Publisher:
Holiday House
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Lesa Cline-Ransome
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Children's Books, Poetry, Literature and Fiction
Grade Levels:
Third grade, Fourth grade, Fifth grade, Sixth grade, Seventh grade
Reading Age:
8–12
Submitted By:
Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

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