In her latest middle-grade historical fiction novel, “Will’s Race for Home,” acclaimed author Jewell Parker Rhodes crafts a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. As the author of beloved works like “Ghost Boys” and “Paradise on Fire,” Rhodes once again demonstrates her exceptional ability to tackle complex historical themes while maintaining accessibility for young readers. Story and Plot Analysis The narrative follows twelve-year-old Will Samuels and his father George, who embark on a challenging journey from Texas to Oklahoma in pursuit of land ownership – a dream that has eluded three generations of their family. Rhodes masterfully captures the historical significance of this period, just twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when many Black families sought to transform their newfound freedom into tangible independence. The story’s pacing is particularly noteworthy, alternating between moments of intense action and quieter, character-developing scenes. While the initial chapters might feel somewhat slow to modern young readers, this deliberate pacing effectively establishes the weight of the family’s decision to leave their familiar, if limiting, …