Under a Painted Sky
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.
An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
An Amelia Bloomer Book
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Stacey Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Downstairs Girl, Luck of the Titanic, Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon, the winner of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction. She is a fourth-generation Chinese American and a founding member of We Need Diverse Books. Born in Southern California, she graduated from UCLA and then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. She lives with her family outside San Francisco. You can visit Stacey at staceyhlee.com. Or follow her on Twitter @staceyleeauthor.
An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
An Amelia Bloomer Book "Debut author Stacey Lee successfully rides onto the range with this sweeping, warmhearted tale."--The Chicago Tribune "A much needed multicultural look at the Oregon Trail, with resourceful, smart, and brave Chinese American and African American girls as main characters. High drama, tension, romantic longings, and touches of humor will entice historical fiction fans."--School Library Journal "This moving novel will captivate you."--Buzzfeed.com *"Emotionally resonant and not without humor, this impressive debut about survival and connection, resourcefulness and perseverance will keep readers on the very edges of their seats."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A great fit for fans of historical adventure with a touch of romance."--Booklist
*"A story that distinguishes itself by integrating strands of Chinese lore and wisdom, Christianity, and music with themes of friendship, diversity, and survival."--Publisher's Weekly, starred review "Get ready to fall in love with this one." - Bustle.com "A solid, entertaining read."--Tor.com "A beautifully narrated story about first loves, unbreakable friendships and family found in unlikely strangers."--BookPage
