From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–Hannah, a 14-year-old orphan, becomes embroiled in the major events leading up to the American Revolution. Her heartless Aunt Phoebe contracts her out as an indentured servant at the home of General Thomas Gage, who is also royal governor of Massachusetts. At first her loyalties are divided, but she soon realizes that she favors freedom from England, even though she has affection for members of Gage's household. She also has a special way with horses and is devastated when her aunt sells her beloved horse, Promise, to a neighbor. She finds a way through a secret tunnel to get outside Gage's compound so that, disguised as a boy, she can ride Promise at night. This leads to her harassing British soldiers and earns her the name of the Midnight Rider, though her identity remains a secret. As Hannah becomes more and more dedicated to the rebel cause, she rides on a dangerous mission to Salem to warn the villagers that the British are coming to confiscate munitions there. Besides the Gages, there are other actual historical figures, including Paul Revere and Dr. Benjamin Church, a spy for the British. While this story covers some of the same territory as Johnny Tremain, it is easier to read and will have more appeal to girls. The historical information is dished out in didactic spurts, with a lecturing kind of style, but the basic plot has enough adventure and suspense to hold the interest of readers.–Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
On the eve of the first battles of the American Revolution (1774-75), orphaned Hannah Andrews's cruel aunt, Phoebe, indentures the 14-year-old to General Thomas Gage, the British colonial governor in Boston. A spunky young woman, she has the talent of calming and riding horses thanks to a gift from her father of a steed that's the only breathing creature she loves. Aunt Phoebe sells Promise, but to a neighbor who will play a large part in Hannah's life. Because she's a servant in Gage's house, she overhears British plans and conveys them to the patriots in Boston, including Paul Revere. At the end of the story, she braves weather and rides the many miles to Salem to warn the town of a campaign to take the patriots' munitions. What should be exciting history in this overlong narrative is harmed by weak characterization, expository information pedantically inserted into conversations, an improbable plot and an overall feeling of superficiality. (Historical fiction. 10-12) (Kirkus Reviews)
