Short Synopsis
After a horrible accident that ruins her dreams of becoming a musician, Samantha escapes to the frontier disguised as a boy, and she quickly learns there's not many places to hide on the open trail.

Full Synopsis
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...

"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 Starred Review

"Lee debuts with a vivid, nontraditional Western." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"High drama, tension, romantic longings, and touches of humor will entice historical fiction fans, and will be a perfect tie-in to social studies curriculum." ---School Library Journal

"Narrator Emily Woo Zeller's easy pace fits the long, contemplative hours on the trail and affords time to enjoy Lee's descriptions." ---AudioFile

Kirkus Review

Publishers Weekly Review

AudioFile Earphones Award Winner