Riding Freedom

( 37 )

Overview

A reissue of Pam Munoz Ryan's bestselling backlist with a distinctive new author treatment.

In this fast-paced, courageous, and inspiring story, readers adventure with Charlotte Parkhurst as she first finds work as a stable hand, becomes a famous stage-coach driver (performing brave feats and outwitting bandits), finds love as a woman but later resumes her identity as a man after the loss of a baby and the tragic death of her husband, and ultimately settles out west on the farm ...

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More About This Book

Overview

A reissue of Pam Munoz Ryan's bestselling backlist with a distinctive new author treatment.

In this fast-paced, courageous, and inspiring story, readers adventure with Charlotte Parkhurst as she first finds work as a stable hand, becomes a famous stage-coach driver (performing brave feats and outwitting bandits), finds love as a woman but later resumes her identity as a man after the loss of a baby and the tragic death of her husband, and ultimately settles out west on the farm she'd dreamed of having since childhood. It wasn't until after her death that anyone discovered she was a woman.

Riding Freedom is the recipient of Parenting Magazine's Reading Magic Award for 1998's Most Outstanding Children's Books and the San Francisco Chronicle's Best Books of 1998. It has been nominated for the 1999-2000 California Young Reader Medal and the 1999-2000 North Dakota Flicker Tale (also a young reader program where the children vote).

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
"With a pacing that moves along at a gallop, this is a skillful execution of a fascinating historical tale." –Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Middle-schoolers will love the horse adventures and the stories of her trickeryÂ…"
--Booklist

"Youngsters who liked Caddie Woodlawn better unreformed and who appreciate an atmospheric blend of grit, gorses, and history will want to take a ride with Charley." –Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
PW's starred review called this fictionalized biography of equestrian Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst--who lived her life disguised as a man and was the first woman voter in the U.S.--an "ebullient and tautly structured novel that moves along at a gallop." Ages 8-12. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
The true story of Charlotte "Charley" Darkey Parkhurst, a woman who lived her life disguised as a man so she could be a stagecoach driver, is the basis for this ebullient and tautly structured novel. Charlotte, a girl who "couldn't sew a stitch and didn't know a petticoat from a pea pod," does have a deep respect and a sixth sense for horses. When the head of her New Hampshire orphanage tells her she's banned from riding because she's a girl, she disguises herself as a boy, runs away to Worcester, Mass., and secures a job as Mr. Ebeneezer's stable hand. He takes "Charley" under his wing, teaching her to be the finest horseman and the best coachman in the state. As she guides her coach across the countryside, she tells her passengers, "I know my horses by heart and I'm not one for bad drivin', so hold tight!" Along the way, she encounters a wealth of characters, some good (Hay, her orphan friend; Vern, a freedman who tends the orphanage stables) and some bad (Mr. Millshark, the orphanage head), but all fully realized by Muoz (Armadillos Sleep in Dugouts). Eventually, the heroine moves West, suffers a blow to her left eye that earns her the name "One-Eyed Charley," realizes her dream of owning her own property and, still disguised as a man, votes in the 1868 California presidential electionnow recognized as the first woman ever to vote in the U.S. With a pacing that moves along at a gallop, this is a skillful execution of a fascinating historical tale. Selznick's drawings, which have an "American Gothic" feel, highlight the dramatic moments. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)
Children's Literature - Joyce Rice
In the mid-1800s, it was hard to be a girl, and even harder to be a girl all alone. Charlotte could not remember the event that left her all alone, but she could remember the nights in the orphanage that followed. Charlotte hoped every day for new parents that would adopt her and take her home, but those parents never came. When Charlotte's best friend is adopted and she has to face that aloneness, she decides to do something about it. So begins the life of Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst. Charley was the best stagecoach driver the west had ever seen, but Charley lived a secret life, with hopes and dreams she never shared. This little known heroine from history comes alive in this story of a girl, a horse, and a dream. This is a great story for middle school students who like horse stories or adventure stories. This is also an excellent choice for the older adolescent who is a reluctant reader. It would make a great adventure to share aloud with a classroom. It opens many avenues for further study about this time in history.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6This fictionalized biography of the first woman to vote in the state of California, and perhaps in the whole United States, is fascinating. Charlotte Parkhurst, known as Charley, spent most of her life masquerading as a man. Raised in an orphanage where she is the only girl, she is prevented from being adopted by the staff, who put her to work in the kitchen. Her own predilection is to be with the horses and the elderly man who cares for them. Vern's tales of escaping slavery are the seeds of Charlotte's own desperate bid for freedom after her only other friend is adopted. Her knack with horses soon enables the disguised Charley to pursue her dream of driving a stagecoach. She does it so well that she is admired and sought after, and is offered the opportunity to earn a livelihood in the California gold fields. Many trials arise, including the loss of sight in her left eye, but throughout, Charlotte remembers her friends, works hard and persistently, and fulfills her ambitions, culminating in her voting in a presidential election. The author provides a compact and exciting story about real people who exemplify traits that readers admire. A concluding note tells more about the historical facts surrounding Parkhurst's life, but kids will read it just for the adventure. The full-page, black-and-white pencil drawings are well rendered and enhance the straightforward text.Carol A. Edwards, Minneapolis Public Library
School Library Journal

Gr 4-6

Equestrian Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst had the will to overcome challenges and the courage to follow her dreams. In Pam Muñoz Ryan's fictionalized biography (Scholastic, 1998) set in the mid 1800s, Charlotte was raised in an orphanage, loved tending and riding the horses, and yearned for a ranch of her own one day. Banned from the stables, the 12-year-old ran away from the orphanage, disguised herself as a man, became a skilled stagecoach driver, and eventually was the first woman to cast a vote in the California presidential election. Listeners will admire Charley's grit and determination, refusing to give up her dream, even when she was seriously injured and blinded in one eye. Melissa Hughes's narration is superb. She uses her mellifluous voice well, switching easily from raspy Charley to several other male and female characters and employing different regional accents. After the story, Ryan provides additional historical information about Parkhurst's interesting life. Horse aficionados will appreciate the author's attention to detail in recreating the bustling activity of stable and ranch life, while others will enjoy the well-paced adventure and respect Charlotte's determination to meet life head on. A gem.-Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780439087964
  • Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
  • Publication date: 9/28/1999
  • Format: Mass Market Paperback
  • Edition description: Reprint
  • Pages: 144
  • Sales rank: 40,871
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.17 (w) x 7.75 (h) x 0.34 (d)

Meet the Author

Pam Munoz Ryan is the recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award and the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award for multicultural literature. She has written more than thirty books which have garnered, among countless accolades, the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, and the Schneider Family Award. Pam lives near San Diego. You can visit her at www.pammunozryan.com.

In addition to The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick is the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor winner, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, and The New York Times Best Illustrated Walt Whitman: Words for America, both by Barbara Kerley, as well as the Sibert Honor Winner When Marian Sang, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, and numerous other celebrated picture books and novels. Brian has also worked as a set designer and a puppeteer. When he isn’t traveling to promote his work all over the world, he lives in San Diego, California, and Brooklyn, New York.

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 37 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(28)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(1)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 37 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 17, 2008

    Great Book...

    I first read this book in 4th grade. I am now in 8th grade and I still read it from time to time. It's a great story with a great meaning in it. I recommend..

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 19, 2007

    ok

    this book was ok. i didn't really like it that much. i thought it went to quick. there should of been more info on her

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 6, 2004

    Not great

    My teacher read this book to our class a couple of weeks ago. It was written quite well, but I found it boring at some parts. Plus, the ending (in my opinion) was disappointing. I mean, Charlotte didn't even get to see Hayward again. Unless your someone who really likes horses, I do NOT think you should read this book.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 26, 2012

    Riding Freedom is written by Pam Munoz Ryan. This book is go

    Riding Freedom is written by Pam Munoz Ryan. This book is good because this little girl has hard times in her life and she tries to fix it.

    The main character in Riding Freedom is a girl named Charlotte parkhurst and she lived in an orphanage because her parents died when she was little. In that orphanage she lives in, she is the only girl and no one wants her so she runs away and makes herself look like a boy so no one will know it’s her.

    I liked this book because I could relate to the little girl and the problems in her life. It was a touching story and I would recommend it to other kids my age.
    This book will be good to read because if you like reading books about people in middle school or little kids and want to feel friendship in it and If you are feeling left out you should read this book.

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  • Posted June 9, 2011

    highly recommended-you must check out

    Riding freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan is so cool! It's about a strong young girl named Charlotte who is tired of staying at the orphanage so she cuts her hair , changes her name, gets new clothes to look like a boy, and runs away to live her dreams. I love this book because Charlotte is not afraid to get caught and punished from running away plus she loves horses.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 20, 2011

    The best

    ON THE FIRST TWO CHAPTER IT BORING BUT IT WILL BE KICKING

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 14, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Paint the Wind
    Becoming Naomi Leon
    Esperanza Rising

    Vaccum of Entertainment

    This book was so interseting that I couldnt stop reading it and read and finsihed the entire book all at once. Even if you don't love books about horses, this one sure makes you want to know a lot more anout Charley and everthing else. I really loved the book and all of this authours books are just as thirling!!!

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  • Posted May 21, 2009

    Adventures

    Do you like books that happen in 1800's? Yes, well this is the book for you.

    This book is about Charlotte wanting to do all of the things a girl cannot do in the 1800's. Read this book to find out what Charlotte does to get what she wants.

    I liked this book because it has lots of exciting parts like the middle and the end (my favorite).

    A girl who is in 3rd or 4th grade would like this book if they like horses and adventures.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 15, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Treasured Horses Collection
    The Secret School
    Castaway Colt (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island Series #4)
    The Horse Charmer (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island Series #1)
    The Shining Stallion (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island Series #2)

    Riding Freedom Review

    The book ¿Riding Freedom¿ is about a girl that lives in an orphanage in the 1800¿s. She can¿t work in the stables, so she runs away, disguised as a boy. With the disguise, she is able to work in stables in New Hampshire, ride people around in station wagons in Rhode Island, take people to gold mines in California, and vote!<BR/> I hated this book because it was just so girly and boring. I especially hated the beginning, when the main character bonds with a horse that eventually dies. Talk about PREDICTABLE!! TWO THUMBS DOWN!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 25, 2008

    A Great Book!

    This book was very well, written, but I'm sorry to say that I read it so long ago I can't vividly explain it in detail. I know that I did love it, however and I can still remember a few parts of it here and there. Pam Munoz Ryon obviously knows what she's doing.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 15, 2008

    Awsome book

    It is an awsome book.I love how she acts like a boy named Charley.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 25, 2007

    Amazing!

    A book that deffinently tells you not to judge a book by it's color. Filled with action, a historical-fiction book kids won't want to put down. A must for horse lovers.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 20, 2007

    Read This Book

    This book makes you feel happy,sad,and wonder what will happen next in the story.I think you should read this,I really do.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 14, 2006

    Wonderful!

    I don't usually like books that take place in the 1800's, but this one rocked. I wonder if Charlotte marries Hay?!?

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 19, 2006

    A very fun book!

    This book is exiting, and entertaining. I had a good time reading it. It's also a page-turner. It's interesting how her love for horses keeps her riding even though she is blind in one eye.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 12, 2006

    Great Book

    This book is a good book to read! It's filled with adventure passion. The book Riding Freedom is telling a true story or a young girl who despratly wants to become something more than just another member of the all boys orphanage. While reading this book you will laugh and you will be touched by some of the things that that she does. Charolett grows and learns a lot in this cook and its great to read along and do all of this with her!

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 28, 2005

    Riding in the book

    This is one of the best books you could ever read! It is about a girl named Charrollet and she is at an all boy's ophanage. I recomened this book to anyone.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 18, 2005

    PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I certainly love horses! I love this book. I wonder if Charllotte I mean, Hay came back to the ranch

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 20, 2005

    my favorite book

    riding freedom is my favorite book. im in the 8th grade and i have already read it 4 times!!! I am not an absolute horse lover, so unlike what the other people said, you dont have to be one either to love this book. It is a real great book and is very touching to the heart about what she has to do to be able to be a free women in the mid-1800s. When you read this book, you can actually feel what Charlotte feels. When she feels sad about something, you feel sad. When she feels happy, you feel happy. The author did a great jod at writing this story. Its a wonderfurl book and i think you should get it and see for yourself.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 1, 2005

    best book ever

    I just couldn't put this book down it was sad it was happy it was great. Can't wait for another book like it.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 37 Customer Reviews
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