Under a Painted Sky
Readers rate it 3.7 (22 on Hardcover)
386 pages · Released Mar 1, 2016 · Penguin
Content report card
Under a Painted Sky parent’s guide: what’s inside
LGBTQ+ themes
Substance use
What it offers
A note for parents
Under a Painted Sky is a YA historical adventure exploring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and survival during the 1849 Oregon Trail era. The narrative centers on two girls of different races navigating systemic racism and danger while disguised as boys, with emotional depth and meaningful character development. While there are some dark elements—including an initial crime scene and period-appropriate threats—the book ultimately emphasizes hope, courage, and the bonds formed through adversity, making it well-suited for older teens interested in historical fiction.
Analyzed by AI · 1 month ago
Read it with your kids?
Rate it and suggest an age to help other parents.
From the publisher
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee's debut novel is a powerful story about love, friendship, and sacrifice, perfect for fans of Code Name Verity. “This moving novel will captivate you.”—Buzzfeed.com All Samantha wanted was to move back to New York and pursue her music, which w... From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee's debut novel is a powerful story about love, friendship, and sacrifice, perfect for fans of Code Name Verity. “This moving novel will captivate you.”—Buzzfeed.com 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. Winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick An Amelia Bloomer Book
Shelved under
- Young Adult Fiction
- Strong Character Development
- Loveable Characters
- Diverse Characters
- dark
- Adventurous
- hopeful
- emotional
- inspiring
- Young Adult
- Adventure
- Fiction
Share this guide
ISBN 9780147511843 · Penguin