The Devil's Highway [Paperback]

Stanley Applegate (Author), James Watling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

The first in an exciting new historical novel series for ages 8-12, THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY is set in 1811 against the dramatic backdrop of the dangerous Natchez Trace. It's the story of Zeb and Hannah, teenagers who travel along the infamous trail - a notorious haven for thieves and murderers - in a desperate search for their families.

The 400-mile Natchez Trace was considered in the 19th Century as the most dangerous highway in America. Yet Zeb and Hannah brave its trials in order to find their families, learning to trust one another's courage and determination as they go.

Look for the further adventures of Zeb and Hannah in NATCHEZ UNDER-THE-HILL, the fast-paced sequel to THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?A fast-paced story set against the backdrop of the Natchez Trace in the early 1800s. When Zeb's grandfather does not return from a horse-trading trip, the 14-year-old suspects foul play. He and his beloved horse, Christmas, take to the Natchez Trail, a bandit-infested 500-mile pathway connecting Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS. Zeb avoids the highway robbers who routinely stalk and ambush innocent travelers. He soon meets Hannah, a half-Choctaw girl who has escaped from a band of kidnapping thieves. Teaming up against the odds, the two dodge the outlaws, narrowly escape drowning while crossing the Tennessee River, and stumble upon a group of army officers who are out to apprehend the terrorizing gangs. When the youngsters eventually reach Hannah's tribe, things do not calm down. Broad strokes of historical details enrich the story line. Zeb and Hannah are able to sustain themselves, and the plot, with their pluck and determination. Zeb's daredevil passion for horse racing will amuse readers. An author's note answers historical questions. The story ends abruptly with Hannah being reunited with her parents. Zeb has not found his grandfather, leaving readers waiting for the sequel.?Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A fast-paced story set against the backdrop of the Natchez Trace in the early 1800s.... Broad strokes of historical details enrich the storyline. Zeb and Hannah are able to sustain themselves, and the plot, with their pluck and determination." --School Library Journal
"This story moves quickly and should be a good read for reluctant readers." --Kliatt

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; 1st edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561451843
• ISBN-13: 978-1561451845
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,650,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Zeb try's to find Zeb's grandpa on the Natchez trace, December 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Devil's Highway (Paperback)

Dear Mr. Applegate,

Our class has just finished reading your book the Devil's Highway. It was a very exciting book.

My favorite scene in the whole book was when Zeb, Hannah, and Christmas all try to cross the river. I think if you had had Big Red and The Fiddler see them in the river and go in after them and try to catch them it would have been more exciting. Another of my favorite scenes in the book was when the sergeant shot off the gun to try to scare Harlequin so that Zeb would fall off.

I wish that you hadn't left the book off at them all being at Hannah's house. If the second book was already out, then it would have been all right. I don't like having to wait to find out what happens to Zeb and his Grandpa.

I think one of the most difficult things for Zeb and Hannah to do was to cross the river. Especially because Hannah didn't know how to swim. Something else that was probably difficult for Hannah was finding out that her family had moved to Washington. Finally something that was difficult for Zeb was letting Hannah come with him on his trip, knowing that he would run out of food and he would also have to make sure that she stayed safe.

I can't wait for the next book Natchez Under The Hill.

Sincerely, Jeff Stark

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is a good historical novel for young people, October 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Devil's Highway (Paperback)

In reviewing this book for a 9 year old, I found it provides adventure, suspense and important historical knowledge of the time and area. The story revolves around 2 characters, Hannah and Zeb. And it acknowledges hard work and determination on their part. The ending leaves interest in what may happen in a later book. It is the first book of a trilogy

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is about a boy who travels the Natchez Trace, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Devil's Highway (Paperback)

Dear Mr. Applegate,

Our class has just finished reading your book the Devil's Highway. It was a very exciting book.

My favorite scene in the whole book was when Zeb, Hannah, and Christmas all try to cross the river. I think if you had had Big Red and The Fiddler see them in the river and go in after them and try to catch them it would have been more exciting. Another of my favorite scenes in the book was when the sergeant shot off the gun to try to scare Harlequin so that Zeb would fall off.

I wish that you hadn't left the book off at them all being at Hannah's house. If the second book was already out, then it would have been all right. I don't like having to wait to find out what happens to Zeb and his Grandpa.

I think one of the most difficult things for Zeb and Hannah to do was to cross the river. Especially because Hannah didn't know how to swim. Something else that was probably difficult for Hannah was finding out that her family had moved to Washington. Finally something that was difficult for Zeb was letting Hannah come with him on his trip, knowing that he would run out of food and he would also have to make sure that she stayed safe.

I can't wait for the next book Natchez Under The Hill.

Sincerely, Jeff Stark