As we remember the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with local events and exhibits, we may also wonder about the years immediately following this historic event. “Away West,” a children’s book written by award winning, local author Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Gordon C. James, artistically presents the challenges, opportunities and courage of the African American pioneers who traveled west through St. Louis during the 1870’s. Although written for children, “Away West” is a book for all ages. You’ll meet Benjamin “Pap” Singleton, as well as realistic fictional characters, including war heroes, river men, Buffalo Soldiers, horse whisperers and Exodusters. The story includes historic details and landmarks, such as Eads Bridge, Jefferson Barracks and Nicodemus, Kansas. Patricia McKissack has been honored with many awards, including two Coretta Scott King awards. “Away West” is part of the author’s Scraps of Time series focused on the importance of family history and African American history. I hope that you’ll read the four books in the series as well as learn more about the St. Louis County Library’s new Family History Center. There’s only one thing better than reading one of Patricia McKissack’s books, and that’s listening to the author present her work at a SLCL author event. I hope that she’ll visit SLCL again sometime soon.
--Teresa R., Sachs Branch
