Will’s Race for Home: Chapters XII–XVIII

by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Will Samuels and his father embark on a 40-day trek from their Texas sharecropper existence to stake claim on free land during the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. Having survived the dangers of traversing remote frontier lands, Will still must make the ride of his life for his family's freedom against all odds.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters I–V, Chapters VI–XI, Chapters XII–XVIII, Chapters XIX–XXX, Chapters XXXI–XXXVIII
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. raucous
    disturbing the public peace; loud and rough
    There are more land rushers on the trails now. More weary families, more raucous single men.
  2. scrutinize
    look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
    I see:
    The sandy-haired man scrutinizing Caesar, top to bottom, recording every detail—his boots; him, sitting high in the saddle; his wide-brimmed hat; and, especially, his cocked gun.
  3. transfixed
    having your attention fixated as though witchcraft
    The pale-eyed man was transfixed by a Black man.
  4. warily
    in a manner marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
    Grim, Father and Caesar look warily at the black line, shaped like a twisting, haunting overgrown snake. It’s as if they think the drawn river will come alive...
  5. eddy
    a miniature whirlpool or whirlwind
    “Drivers need to pick the right, shallower trail even though water hides it. You need to study the currents, the eddies, and the waves.”
  6. admonish
    scold or reprimand; take to task
    “Do you have a son?”
    “Will!” Father admonishes.
    “No, regretfully,” Caesar says solemnly.
  7. jaunty
    having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
    “The British call it a mouth organ. We call it a harmonica. Hold it like this.” Caesar’s palms cup both ends. He raises the rectangle to his mouth and blows. It’s a tangy sound. The melody is jaunty yet sweet.
  8. rove
    move about aimlessly or without any destination
    Holding the harmonica away from his mouth, Caesar starts to sing:
    “Will you come with me, my dear,
    To yon blue mountain free,
    Where the blossoms smell the sweetest,
    Come rove along with me...."
  9. erratic
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
    Staring into the spiked, erratic flames, I see Ma in our new home, clasping her hands, delighted.
  10. temperament
    your usual mood
    Midnight is a strong, restless stallion.
    “Can Midnight pull?” I shout.
    “Hasn’t got the temperament,” explains Caesar, calling up to me.
  11. petrify
    cause to become stunned or immobile, as with fear or awe
    Crossing the Red River petrifies me.
  12. boisterous
    marked by exuberance and high spirits
    Boisterous kids, relieved to be outside the wagons, dash through the streets.
  13. farrier
    a person who shoes horses
    “Will, stay with Caesar,” Father says firmly. “I’ll walk Belle to the farrier.”
  14. apothecary
    a retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
    A scraggly man dozes fitfully on a stool at the apothecary.
  15. deputy
    someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff
    A man wearing a silver star, flanked by two deputies, aims his pistol at Father.
Created on Wed Feb 25 20:50:09 EST 2026 (updated Tue Apr 07 12:16:11 EDT 2026)

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