The Silver State
On the Trail of the Jackalope

No Charity in the Wilderness

No Charity in the Wilderness is a long journey into the new American West. From the southern border to the isolating two-lane highways in the desert, this collection is a prayer of reconciliation with so much that troubles us–those who live without resources or voices–and their possible future in this ever-changing landscape of desire.

Griffin has spent many decades in the high desert trying to find the way forward–when what he knows has been challenged and still there is breath on the horizon. One day an ancient Chinese poet comes to visit: “Snow deepens/ to quiet what I once believed, and Wang Wei stoops from the spine: / this is how you become silence.” Even if you doubt the old poet’s counsel, like Griffin, you want to journey with him into the wilderness.

More Non-Juvenile Books

  • In The Other Valley, sixteen-year-old Odile navigates the complexities of time and choice as she vies for a position on the Conseil, which controls the borders of her town. When she discovers that the parents of her friend Edme have crossed into her present from the future, she must confront her feelings for him while grappling with the immense responsibility of preserving the timeline.
  • The Queen of Sugar Hill tells the poignant story of Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award, as she navigates the complexities of fame and identity after her historic win. Facing both adoration and scorn, she struggles to find her place in a divided society while remaining committed to paving the way for future Black actors. ReShonda Tate masterfully captures Hattie's resilience and determination in this unforgettable tale of ambition and equality.