Walk On
It’s 1838, and two fourteen-year-olds form an unlikely friendship as tensions grow between the Cherokee Nation and white settlers in Tennessee. Callie, a Cherokee girl, and Jameson, the son of a U.S. soldier at nearby Fort Cass, discover they have more in common than they expected. Their bond deepens when they witness a horrible crime. Even worse, the murderous soldier sees them, too.
As they hide from him, soldiers arrive at the Cherokee villages and forcibly remove everyone, sending Callie’s family on the deadly Trail of Tears. She escapes the soldiers, but now alone and hunted, Callie faces the daunting task of finding her family while Jameson struggles to protect her.
Will Callie and Jameson get captured? Can they find courage when faced with things they can’t control? What secrets do the vicious John Payne hold? And will Callie ever be reunited with her family?
Available for purchase at these retailers:
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
CHANTICLEER BOOK AWARDS
1st place win ~ Dante Rossetti Award for Young Adult Fiction
FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD 2025 Third Place Winner
Historical Fiction
KIRKUS REVIEWS – OUR VERDICT ✔ GET IT: “The narrative does an excellent job of depicting the cultural tensions and greed that led to the Trail of Tears, one of the most shameful chapters in U.S. history, in an age-appropriate way for young readers.”
5-STAR REVIEW FROM READERS’ FAVORITE:
“Bittersweet and poignant, Walk On is a captivating story that sheds light on the plight of the Native Americans in the first half of the nineteenth century. Part coming-of-age tale and part historical drama, this book will appeal to a broad range of readers. It’s realistic and captures the ambiance of the place and era. But what I found most impressive about the book was its characters. Callie is a fascinating protagonist. Her friendship with Jameson is moving, and it feels like the heart of the narrative. Overall, it’s a tale that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended.”
Wishing Shelf – 5-star Review:
“The pacing is excellent, the story offering the reader not just a cultural insight into 1830s Tennessee but also a thrill-a-page adventure. . . . you will enjoy getting to know the characters, rooting for many and booing the rest! All in all, a smashing read.”
“A poignant and gripping story of resilience, friendship, and survival . . . “ – Jeff Knight, author of Maya the Malamute
“I love how the author tells the tale of two teens, unlikely friends, in this well-written, accurately detailed, and page-turning adventure in the days leading up to the ‘Trail of Tears’ event. We grow to love Callie and Jameson and ache for their struggles with the dangers and unfairness of the world around them. Beautifully done!” – Valerie Biel, award-winning author of the Circle of Nine series
“Walk On is a moving story about family, friendship, culture, and bravery, set against the backdrop of the Cherokee and white communities in the 1800s. Callie, is a strong and resilient character who prioritizes joy and peace over hate in this fast-paced book.” – Chia Gounza Vang, author of the Young Guardian series