"The tightly wound plot flows effortlessly from one moment to the next.... readers will find themselves inspired by the future Sparrow creates for herself and those around her." — Kirkus Reviews

YA Historic Fiction - Coming-of-Age - Latinx - Indigenous - Identity - Inspirational Teen Story

In 1844, fifteen-year-old Sparrow fears what dilemmas her grown-up life will encounter. Sparrow's mother is from the Chumash nation whose territory borders the Pacific. Her father is an American trapper and trader sent by his government to explore the rich California land owned by Mexico.

Sparrow's difficulties are compounded when she learns her father also has an American wife and daughter. Then, she overhears him making plans to overthrow the Mexican Governor of Alta California and acquire the Mexican lands for the United States.

Sparrow's tribal family and indigenous customs are threatened. She must decide if she will keep her father's secret and lose her homeland or warn her mother and the Mexican authorities but suffer the loss of her father's love.

2022 SFWC YA Fiction Writing Contest Winner

“…provides a necessary look at historical events and peoples that have often been ignored in fiction (and in real life).”

Kirkus Reviews