Will's Race for Home is one of my favorite MG historical fiction reads I've ever read. This was my first book by Jewell Parker Rhodes, but it certainly won't be my last. From the well researched setting to the character development to the fast-moving plot, this is one that I feel confident students will eat right up. From a teacher's perspective, there are also so many fantastic curricular opportunities here, and I appreciate having a book that explores Westward expansion from the perspective of Black homesteaders in a post-Civil War United States. I listened to this one on audio, and I highly recommend the format.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced reader and listener copies.

This is the adventure of Will and his father on a 'land run' in Oklahoma. This begins in post-Reconstruction Era Texas and includes a history filled adventure about Western expansion. I have seen very little media that features Black folks settling the West post Civil War. This is educational, interesting, and fun, a sure-fire combination to keep many kids interested in this story.

This is ideal for grade school-age kids, maybe 2nd or 3rd grade and up. I really wanted to listen to this with my grandkids, who are the target age for this novel. This is laid out well to do a chapter a night with newer readers or to allow older readers to move at their own pace.

I've been introducing my grandkids to immersion reading, and I think this audio is perfect for immersion reading. The narrator of this audiobook is Christopher Hampton. Mr. Hampton has a voice that is rich with emotion and excitement. His narration brought the character of Will and his journey to life. This would also work for middle school readers. There's quite a bit of adventure, and the story itself is interesting.

Thank you to Jewell Parker Rhodes, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
It is 1889 and Will's, our main character, family has been sharecropping since Emancipation. When Will's father hears about the Oklahoma land rush for a chance of real freedom by owning their own land, he and Will travel from Texas to Oklahoma on their mule, Belle. They only have a certain amount of time to get there in time for the April rush and can't afford any delays. This is difficult with snakes, river crossings, outlaws, and finding enough to eat with a limited amount of money. Fortunately, they meet Caesar, a Black Civil veteran, who on more than one occasion helps Will and his dad.

The story has enough action to keep readers engaged and since there aren't many historical fiction books with a black perspective, this is a must-purchase for libraries. The author's note at the end discussing Indigenous people and how they were treated historically is a bonus.

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.

The audiobook was a little too much for me. I understand trying to set the tone to match the time period. It didn’t work well for me though. It was more of a distraction.

The book is a great historical middle grade adventure. It was fast paced with a great historical perspective. Lots of details. Loved the authors note as well.

Jewell Parker Rhodes masterfully sheds light on African American pioneers in the Westward Expansion. Young readers will be interested in the adventure of a boy and his father seeking a new life in Oregon. This would make a great supplement to a history lesson, and will be a good choice for reluctant readers who are interested in the Westward expansion, diverse characters, and interesting action.