I’ll start my review by saying that I’m not a big fan of poetry, nor of multiple POVs, but even then I found this book to be surprisingly enjoyable. My favorite character was Lettie, because I found her POVs to be the most action and emotion packed, and Miss Pratt was my second favorite, because her POV was so different and added some emotional variety to the story. I like reading a few middle-grade books every year and I think this is a book that will appeal to a wide array of age groups and people.

This was a much needed narrative regarding the Black experience during westward expansion. I would’ve appreciated some acknowledgement of the Native experience during this time period but overall, this is a welcome alternative to Laura Ingalls Wilder books.

Cline-Ransome uses journal entries to tell the story of 10 families who leave their homes in Mississippi for the hope of land ownership and opportunity instead of share cropping and lack of respect that has become the way of things despite freedom from enslavement. Three women, mom Sylvie, her daughter Lettie and single Philomena, tell of hardships and joys of traveling by covered wagon to Nebraska and by the end, realize their own unique strengths and abilities that are sure to lead to success. Readers are sure to come away with added knowledge of westward expansion, the cost in lives and belongings when rolling over land and across water, plus the unique perspective of Black families on the dream of something more that so many had during the time period. The journal format plus the anticipation of the next exciting episode makes the pages fly by resulting in a book that should be enjoyed by most students in grades 4-6, even those who may struggle to finish novels. Would pair nicely with books like older Little House on the Prairie and Hattie Big Sky plus newer western expansion historical fiction such as Prairie Lotus and A Sky Full of Song to give middle graders a much more balanced look at the quest for land from 1800-1860. Text is free of profanity and sexual content and the one violent episode when bandits attack the wagon train is relayed clearly but without gratuitous blood-letting. Several in the group become ill or even die from the trials of the trail but details are not excessive.

I absolutely love Lesa Cline-Ransone's newest middle-grade novel, ONE BIG OPEN SKY. Written in verse and told from three different point-of views, this story follows Lettie, her mother Sylivia, and teacher-to-be Philomena. It's 1879 in Mississippi and Lottie, her parents and two brothers are heading west to Nebraska looking to own their their very first piece of land. However, nothing about this journey is easy or goes as planned. From not being able to board a boat because of their skin color to not having enough supplies for the journey, the family is met with one obstacle after another. Will this journey change our travelers? Will Lettie and her family make it to Nebraska? I can't wait to share this book with my students. Readers will be fascinated learning about this time in our country's history through the eyes of three strong women. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced digital copy!

In this very interesting middle grade fiction story about a black family - written entirely in verse - we get a historical perspective on events that we are more likely to have previously read about in a form viewed through a decidedly colour-coded lens.

Lettie's father Thomas is understandably resentful about having to work as a black sharecropper on a white man's land. When he hears that families like theirs travelling out westward will have their own properties to farm, he goes against all advice from their extended family members and takes his unwilling wife and children with him, to head for a new life in Nebraska.

The journey is perilous, riddled with shortages and hardship. The story is told from multiple POV, in women's voices, and that is a device that works very effectively. We feel their emotions as they struggle with new experiences, and get a glimpse of the traumas caused by institutionalized and internalized racism, social and family and hierarchies, and the patriarchal values which allowed a man absolute dominance over his wife and children.

This is an intelligent, moving and insightful read, which will be greatly enjoyed by readers from the target age group, while also providing them with unexpected insights into a neglected piece of history. Recommended reading.

I really enjoyed how good this story was, it worked as a children’s fiction novel. I was hooked from the cover and description and I’m so glad I was able to read this. The characters felt like they belonged in the world and the setting that was here. Lesa Cline-Ransome does a great job in writing this and I’m so glad I was able to read this.

One Big Open Sky
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
The westward expansion had many more nuances then given in the brief history of America. The idea that black families, moved from the sharecrop farming to the west is not well known. This book shows in a lyrical form the struggles, hopes and dreams of a family taking the promise of owning their own land, and finding finical solvency in Nebraska land grants. The journey has danger and hardship, with miss information causing problems, and sacrifice.

Middle grade historical fiction is difficult to find, and this gem of a book is a wonderful addition. The novel in verse adds a strong voice to the story, and the reader is instantly drawn into the emotion. 4.5 stars for this ARC from #NetGalley.

In this book that examines the Black homesteader movement, three women narrate a wagon journey west. There are food shortages, perils of the countryside, and supply issues. Beginning in 1879, there are also larger societal issues of slavery, racism, and patriarchal dominance for the women to consider.

Some strengths of the book include giving voice and story from an undertold perspective, novel in verse format, the story itself – it’s powerful, interesting, and engaging.

Some areas to consider are the lack of the indigenous voice and perspective and the cover of the book. What works on the cover: white letters and a broad title, big, blue background, author name across the top in yellow, and the dog by Lettie’s side. What might be improved: Thicker font for the title and the characters, who seem overly childish or overdone. The cover doesn’t quite match the story.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, this would be a great whole-class read for teachers or would make a great literature circle choice, as it provides a wonderful perspective to the westward movement.

Love love loved this ARC! Middle grade historical fiction is so important, especially histfic centered on marginalized voices. I could easily see an entire classroom unit centered around this book. It's fresh and relevant to modern readers.

This is such a moving story. Lettie is such a spitfire and fights so hard for justice and a better life for her and her family. Her mother is such a strong woman too.
There is so much hardship throughout this book, but it is a story that is needed.
The scenery throughout is beautiful, but we learn that it can help you or harm you.
These voices in this story are so moving and the writing makes you feel that you are there with them.
A story that everyone should read and learn from.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.