Publisher's Synopsis
All Samantha wanted was to move back to New York and pursue her music, which was difficult enough being a Chinese girl in Missouri, 1849. Then her fate takes a turn for the worse after a tragic accident leaves her with nothing and she breaks the law in self-defense. With help from Annamae, a runaway slave she met at the scene of her crime, the two flee town for the unknown frontier.
But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls. Disguised as Sammy and Andy, two boys heading for the California gold rush, each search for a link to their past and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. Until they merge paths with a band of cowboys turned allies, and Samantha can’t stop herself from falling for one. But the law is closing in on them and new setbacks come each day, and the girls will quickly learn there are not many places one can hide on the open trail.
But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls. Disguised as Sammy and Andy, two boys heading for the California gold rush, each search for a link to their past and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. Until they merge paths with a band of cowboys turned allies, and Samantha can’t stop herself from falling for one. But the law is closing in on them and new setbacks come each day, and the girls will quickly learn there are not many places one can hide on the open trail.
Our Reviews
This beautifully written novel is an exciting adventure and heart-wrenching survival tale. But above all, it’s a story about perseverance, hope and trust that will restore your faith in the power of friendship. The friendship, between Samantha and Annamae is depicted as something which grows into a more mature and supportive relationship, despite their racial, culture and background differences. The author’s descriptions of life on the Oregon Trail, with all its hopes, dangers and fears, are a lovely but realistic glimpse into American history. I also loved this glimpse into the Chinese culture and how they played into Samantha’s evolution as a character. The supporting characters, especially the young cowboys, are well written and bring added humor and excitement to the story. I really enjoyed this book and feel it will appeal to fans of historical fiction, adventure and friendship stories. 5 stars ~M. Vannoni
Despite some heavy topics (racism, attempted rape, murder) this book is far from depressing. The characters are believable and engaging; their adventures keep the plot moving, and their evolving relationships are the heart of the story. This is a book that I couldn’t wait to get back to each time I put it down. Students who enjoyed learning about the experiences of Chinese immigrants in Lawrence Yep’s Dragonwings may enjoy this novel set 50 years earlier, and with a teenage female main character. 5 stars.--Sheila Tobin Cavooris