In the Land of Milk and Honey

Lemons as big as oranges, the cool Pacific Ocean, mountains that rise up beyond the outstretched bay—California beckons as one girl makes her way west on a journey filled with excitement, hope, and the promise of a place where people from all paths come together and music fills the air.

This is the true story of author Joyce Carol Thomas's trip from Oklahoma to California in 1948, when she moved there as a girl. During that time, many people went west, drawn by warmth and possibility, reflected in the people of all cultures and ethnicities who started a new life there.

Coretta Scott King honoree Joyce Carol Thomas and Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper capture the anticipation of a bright adventure and a world filled with freedom and opportunity. Included in Brightly's list of recommended diverse poetry picture books for kids.

I ease myself back in the window seat

and breathe in

as the train breathes out

We're on our way!

On our way

to the Land of Milk and Honey

“Thomas's free-flowing verse is also hopeful, heralding the promise of the family's future life. Her imagery spans the senses, as the girl takes in the sounds, sights, and even tastes of her new home.”  - Publishers Weekly

"Nostalgic and sweet, Thomas’s word images truly present a 'land of milk and honey.'"  - School Library Journal

“Poetic language distinguished by strong verbs and striking images…Thomas and Cooper have given us…a moving love song.” - Kirkus Reviews