Away West

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the desire for independence or wondering where your family fits into the larger map of history. It is an ideal bridge for the transition from picture books to historical novels, offering a gentle but honest look at the quest for self-reliance. The story follows young Everett Turner as he leaves his farm to join the Exodusters, a group of Black settlers seeking a life of freedom in Kansas. Through Everett's eyes, children explore themes of courage, the necessity of community, and the bittersweet nature of leaving home to find one's purpose. It is a hopeful, empowering narrative that provides essential context for American history while remaining centered on the relatable emotional journey of a boy finding his footing in the world.