Missouri, 1849: Samantha dreams of moving back to New York to be a professional musician—not an easy thing if you're a girl, and harder still if you're Chinese. But a tragic accident dashes any hopes of fulfilling her dream, and instead, leaves her fearing for her life. With the help of a runaway slave named Annamae, Samantha flees town for the unknown frontier. But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls, so they disguise themselves as Sammy and Andy, two boys headed for the California gold rush. Sammy and Andy forge a powerful bond as they each search for a link to their past, and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. But when they cross paths with a band of cowboys, the light-hearted troupe turn out to be unexpected allies. With the law closing in on them and new setbacks coming each day, the girls figure out they can't hide for long...
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“Their journey is daring as they become pioneers in every sense of the word. Lee nimbly balances friendship, adventure, survival, suspense, and romance in this racially diverse western. The historical details cover vast ground—not just about westward expansion and the Gold Rush but also about slavery, life as an immigrant, and gender roles. Samantha and Annamae are incredible characters; they are self-sufficient, determined, and compassionate. Lee’s writing is striking, and her well-rendered characters leap off the page. This distinctive story will likely win over even readers who do not think they enjoy historical fiction or who never considered reading a western.”
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VOYA