Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee is a historical young adult novel set in 1849 Missouri, following the journey of Samantha Young, a Chinese American girl, and Annamae, an enslaved Black girl. After a tragic series of events including the death of Samantha's father in a fire and a fatal encounter with their landlord Samantha and Annamae flee westward to escape the law and seek freedom. Disguised as boys, they join a group of cowboys heading toward the California gold rush. As they navigate the dangers of the Oregon Trail, they form a deep bond of friendship and face challenges that test their courage and resilience. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the power of friendship against the backdrop of the American frontier.
