Judy's Journey

This powerful historical novel follows ten-year-old Judy through the relentless cycle of migrant farm work, as her family moves from Alabama to New Jersey in search of seasonal harvests. Living in tents and temporary shelters, Judy experiences the profound instability of never having a permanent home, constantly uprooted just as she begins to form connections. The narrative vividly captures the challenges of migrant life—the struggle to keep up with schooling when you're always moving, the heartbreak of leaving friends behind, and the longing for roots that never get to grow deep.

Lenski's unflinching portrayal of Depression-era migrant families gives voice to a segment of American history often overlooked in children's literature, showing the human cost behind the food on our tables. Young readers will connect with Judy's resilient spirit and her simple yet profound dream for a real house and a place to belong. This moving journey offers both a window into historical struggles and a mirror for any child who has ever felt out of place or dreamed of something more.