'This Tender Land' by William Kent Krueger
Four orphans flee their harsh boarding school and embark on a transformative canoe journey down the Mississippi River during the Great Depression. As they navigate treacherous waters and encounter fellow wanderers—farmers, healers, and lost souls—they discover that freedom comes with unexpected challenges and profound connections. This sweeping adventure captures the resilience of childhood friendship and the search for belonging during America's darkest economic times. Perfect for readers who cherish epic coming-of-age stories with heart, this novel delivers both adventure and emotional depth. A moving testament to hope and the bonds that sustain us through hardship.