One Big Open Sky

In this compelling intergenerational verse novel, three women embark on a treacherous wagon journey from Mississippi to Nebraska in 1879, seeking the freedom and independence that generations before them have longed for as Black homesteaders. Narrated by young dreamer Lettie, her mother Sylvia, and their teacher Philomena, the story highlights their struggle against poverty and patriarchal constraints, juxtaposed with their hopes for a better future. As they face numerous challenges, including their father Thomas’s unrealistic dreams, the narrative delves into themes of autonomy and self-emancipation, providing an intimate glimpse into their quest for true freedom.