January 14, 2025

 WILL'S RACE FOR HOME

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Little Brown Books For Young Readers

January 2025

Middle-Grade Historical Fiction

Ages 8-12

208 pages

American History, African American History, Race & Racism

★ "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

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 embark 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 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?

Enter Book Giveaway

Dear Reader,


Growing up, Westerns were popular. The clash between law and chaos, the rugged landscape, and the complexities of frontier life — the characters and themes of Western movies transported me to a different world. Of course, at the time, I was unaware of the lack of representation and racist tropes.


As an adult, I’ve had the privilege of learning about Black cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers. but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered Black people participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush. It was my calling to write a Western! In all my stories, I hope to bring light to buried or overlooked parts of our history. We all need to understand our nation’s historical past to understand ourselves and our common humanity better. 


I invite you to join Will, his father, and their sweet mule Belle as they journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free—if they can get to it fast enough. The trek through the Wild West isn’t easy…there are enemies at every turn. Do they have what it takes to make it?


Warmly,


Jewell Parker Rhodes

Book Club Menu

I’d recommend a Western feast! Wild turkey, cornbread, and butter beans. For a sweet treat, try Texas pralines and chocolate skillet cake! 


-Jewell Parker Rhodes

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