I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The story follows Hope and her family as they journey to California. It feels similar to the "Dear America" books which I liked. If you are a fan of the series, you will like this book.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, it’s an easy listen on a topic I have great curiosity about. It would be a good starting point for anyone who doesn’t know about the pioneers who set out for California in the 1840s. I’ve read more than a few books about experiences in the trail west but still learnt a new thing or two. The narrator did a good job too.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review. This book should be read by all children that love historical fiction. It was easy to read and full of details about life in Virginia and the Overland Trail taking place in the mid 1800's.

This is the story of an enslaved family that accompanied their owner's nephew to California for the Gold Rush.

I was excited to read this, as the American west in the 1800s has always been a favorite of mine. However, the writing style was not for me. I found it very dull. It read more like a diary, full of what they ate and generic information.

The audiobook is narrated by Bahni Turpin. I always enjoy her work as she is a very expressive narrator. Even she couldn't make this one exciting.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It touched base on the days of slavery but with one of the nicer families that actually gave the family of slaves their freedom papers. What did they go through to get to California and what happened when they got their was true to what settlers might have gone through in those days.

Middle grade historical fiction. Follows the story of an enslaved girl named Hope and her travels to California during the time of the Gold Rush. There are a lot of details which could be a deterrent, and at times felt rather long, but they help the reader/listener understand what it was like. I appreciated a different perspective on this time in history.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this story.

Audiobook Review - This is a fantastic children's historical fiction book! The story of those traveling west has been told many times, but Hope's story is unique! This is a great addition to the genre and should circ well where children's historical fiction is popular.

I didn't realize this was a children's book when I requested access, but really enjoyed despite that! The story gave me flashbacks to playing "The Oregon Trail" in elementary school in all the BEST ways! Hope was intelligent and the facts and story were engaging. I would certainly recommend this to teachers or friends with kiddos in the correct age range, and enjoyed the story!

This is a nice historical and educational book that gives you a good insight of what life was like during slavery. I read this with my 10 year old daughter who absolutely loved it. I think this is a great book for young people who have not been exposed to or learned much about this time frame in school. I have read many books in this genre in my lifetime do it was pretty similar to others that describe this lifestyle in my adult opinion, so I would rate it accordingly. My daughter however, would rate this a 5 star and it really reached her and gave her insight as to what life was like back then. I would highly recommend this book for younger readers, however some adults may love it too.