One Big Open Sky

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a major life transition, such as moving to a new place or feeling like an outsider in their current environment. It is a poignant verse novel that follows three Black women: young Lettie, her mother, and a young traveler named Philomena: as they journey West from Mississippi in 1879 seeking a life of true freedom. While it explores the harsh realities of the post-Reconstruction era, it centers on the quiet strength and unbreakable bonds of family. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, this story serves as a mirror for children facing uncertainty and a window into a pivotal, often overlooked chapter of American history. Parents will appreciate how it validates the fear of the unknown while modeling extraordinary resilience and hope.