Summary: Will’s Race for Home
It’s 1889, a couple of decades after the Emancipation Proclamation, and Will’s father is tired of working on land that will never be his, so when he hears about the Oklahoma Land Rush, he decides that this is their chance to get land of their own. Will’s mother convinces his father to take him along on the expedition, and on the way, they find friends and foes that enrich their journey and teach them about community, determination, and persistence.
The Good
I was very dubious about this story because it’s a Western, with gunslingers and high action — which is not my scene usually. However, the storytelling is impeccable. The author helps readers quickly identify with Will, who yearns to be closer to his father, and eventually shows readers why his father might have struggled with nurturing a warm relationship with his son in the beginning. Despite all the adventure in this story, I couldn’t help thinking that, at its core, it’s a father-son story.
Warm dynamics aside, this Western is infused with plenty of history about the end of slavery, life after emancipation, and the struggle for land ownership among Black Americans. We also see the disparity in access to education among Blacks, as Will and his mother can read and write, while his father cannot — as well as how this potentially impacts the opportunities eventually available to them.
Finally, like all stories of Black travelers, there’s plenty of danger and suspense in this story as Will and his father journey to Oklahoma alone. It’s often difficult to know who is a safe person and who is a sinister character. Will’s bond with the animals they travel with, including his donkey and the horse of a veteran who travels with them, enriches the story and will appeal to young readers who love stories about human-animal connection.
Will’s Race for Home
Will’s Race for Home is a powerhouse Western and coming-of-age story set during a pivotal historical period. Populated with dynamic characters who grow impressively throughout the story, this slim historical fiction title explores an under-examined period in Black history with sensitivity and a spirit of adventure. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as the protagonist navigates moral dilemmas and leaps of faith to find a home for his family.
Star Rating
Content Notes
Here are some specifics to know about the content.
Content Warnings
- Death: None on the page
- Alcohol/substance abuse: Mentions of adults drinking.
- Sexual content: None
- Violence: Several instances of gun use by adults, and on one occasion, a child threatens to use a gun.
- Religious content: References to scripture.
- Language: None
Diversity
- Ethnic: Main characters are Black
- Sexual orientation: None
Recommended for ages: 10+
Good for kids who like:
- Action and adventure
- Westerns
- Historical fiction
- Books by Jewell Parker Rhodes
- Father-child stories
Publisher Details
| Publisher details | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
| Author: | Jewell Parker Rhodes |
| Illustrator: | N/A |
| Publication date: | January 14, 2025 |
| Audiobook? | Yes, Libro.Fm |
| Page count: | 208 |
| Cover artists | Designer: |
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