I really enjoyed this #OwnVoices historical fiction! I haven't read any other books for young readers about hoboes specifically and I as an adult think hobo code is so interesting and I think kids will too. I did know a bit more about the Indian boarding schools but I think this look at one hits a little different--it's set later in time than some other Indian boarding school books, after some reforms have been made, and you get the sense that the schools are still racist but that things are somewhat better and also that the students and their cultures are persevering.

As other reviewers have noted I did feel like the last bit was a bit rushed and a bit too reliant on coincidences? But I think younger readers will be happy with the resolution, and Cal's a great narrator. A great one for kids who like historical fiction that gets into the gritty details of daily life in different eras, and for learning more about Creek Indians and other Native American tribes.