One Big Open Sky

I got One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome from the library after seeing it won both the Newbery honor and Coretta Scott King honor. The book description says, "1879, Mississippi. Young dreamer Lettie may have her head in the stars, but her body is on a covered wagon heading westward. Her father, Thomas, promises that Nebraska will be everything the family needs: an opportunity to claim the independence they’ve strived for over generations on their very own plot of land. But Thomas’ hopes—and mouth—are bigger than his ability to follow through. With few supplies and even less money, the only thing that feels certain is danger."

This was a great read. It was written in verse but was a slower read than the usual books I read in verse. I really loved Lettie as a character and especially loved when Philomena joined the story--really loved her. I also liked a character named Mr. Cole. I liked that this book covered a historical time period/situation I didn't really know much about--black pioneers moving west during the Reconstruction time period. The book had some heavy stuff without being too sad to enjoy/keep reading, and it included some good messages. I think it's a well-deserved Newbery honor.

* * (2/3 = Liked it)