A review by sebrittainclark
Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Will's father, George, and grandfather made the journey from Louisiana to Texas after they were freed from slavery to find their own place to be free, but years of sharecropping have take their toll, and now Will and George have the opportunity to travel north to Oklahoma to participate in the land rush and own their own land. Of course, a journey like that will be treacherous and provide opportunities for adventure.

I had some trouble getting into the book. The narrator does a strong accent, which I think is good for helping young readers engage with the story, but I found a little difficult to listen to, and the book is packed full of history that made the beginning feel like a lot of information was being given. But I enjoyed Will's adventures, and I thought it did a great job of bringing a small piece of history to life, as well as tying into the larger historical picture in the afterword.

Thanks to netgalley and Little, Brown Young Readers for an early copy.