Title: Under a Painted Sky
Author: Stacy Lee
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWG5Z70/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1
In the 1900s, life wasn't really easy for anyone, especially for Samantha Young. Living in Missouri with her dad and working in his store, The Whistle, all she wants to do is to move back to New York and become a professional violinist. This fifteen almost sixteen year old Chinese girl was born the year of the Snake which was lucky, however, luck was not on her side. From the death of her mother during her birth, her dad dying in his store that caught fire and the death of her landlord at her own hands, Sammy has been pleagued with bad luck and deminished dreams. After meeting a young slave girl name Annamae, they both decide to escape disguised as boys; Annamae to find freedom and for Sammy her father's mentor. Now, as "Andy and Sam", these two follow the Oregon Trail heading for the California Gold Rush. Becoming closer as times goes on, the girls meet a group of cowboys that ultimately become their friends. This unlikely band of characters, deal with the all the trials and tribualtions that were faced on the Oregon Trail during this time. Now running from the law, the 'boys" run into barriers trying to hide on the Trail, but despite it all their friendship stands the test of time.
Stacy Lee did an awesome job of her use of hstorical fiction. I truly enjoyed how the aspects and events of the 1900s were intertwined through the book. For example, when Samatha noticed the slave bradning on Annamae and reflected upon what her dad told her about slaves. Also, when Sam would reflect upon how the towns people treated them even though they had been in Missouri for three months. I like how the girls, despite their differences, bonded from their initial meeting. I believe that youth adults may relate to how the characters delalt with death, race relations and even sexuality. This easy read would be great for my scholars who enjoy history and some rectant readers due to print a short chapters.
Cite: Lee, S. (2015) Under a painted sky. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
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