Local historian and Chronicle columnist Julie McDonald Zander’s debut novel, “The Reluctant Pioneer,” was named a finalist in the “Western Inspirational” category of the 2025 Will Rogers Medallion Awards.
Named in honor of American humorist, social commentator and performer Will Rogers, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards celebrate excellence in writing about the American West.
The other two finalists in Zander’s category are “The Big Dry” by Patrick Dearen and “Heidi’s Faith” by Jill Dewhurst.
The rankings will be announced with the presentation of gold, silver and bronze medallions during an awards banquet in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Nov. 1.
This year’s competition includes finalists from 25 states and three countries, according to a news release.
“We’re excited that the number of entries has grown in the past few years. It shows that Western books, poetry, movies, and other media have maintained a genuine popularity across the country,” Chris Enss, executive director of the Will Rogers Medallion Award, stated in a news release.
“The Reluctant Pioneer” tells the story of Lewis County pioneer Matilda Kootz’s harrowing journey on the Oregon Trail. Though the novel ends when Koontz and what’s left of her family reach the end of the trail, Koontz went on to establish a successful hotel located where the historic Jackson Courthouse currently stands. At the hotel, Koontz entertained many famous people, including future president Ulysses S. Grant; George McClellan, the future Civil War general; and Isaac Stevens, Washington’s first territorial governor.
“The Reluctant Pioneer” was also recently named a finalist in the historical novel category of Western Writers of America’s 2025 Spur Awards.
For more information about “The Reluctant Pioneer,” including information on upcoming book signings, visit https://mczander2024.ag-sites.net/index.
