Customer Reviews

Riding Freedom

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My 9 year old son read this book, and so I read it, too, so we could discuss it together. It's a very engaging story. My son read it in a day - he couldn't put it down, and I found that I couldn't, either.

There are some very good themes in this book -- the main character is very strong, determined, and survives despite having the odds stacked against her. One thing in particular that I liked is how she doesn't necessarily learn how to do new things with great speed -- but she keeps at it until she has learned a new skill, and is successful at it. I think this is a particularly good thing for children to read about. Not all skills are immediate, and working to achieve proficiency is worthwhile.

Other major themes are the importance of voting, the rights of women, the ability of girls to learn to do jobs formerly considered only fit for boys, facing fears in order to overcome subjugation and make a better life for oneself, and growing up without parents. Slavery is touched on.

This book lends itself to the discussion of any of these topics, and my son and I had some very good talks as a result.

I did feel the story ended a little abruptly. I was completely unprepared for it to be over, I was hoping more would be explained, and I felt dissatisfied after finishing the book.

I must say that I also felt a bit uncomfortable reading about the woman whom the story is actually based on. (She lived her life as a man, and it wasn't discovered until after her death that she was female.) While this book presents topics for children to discuss that are interesting and worthwhile, I don't know that all parents would feel that this book is appropriate for their children to read.

I would suggest that parents read the back of the book first, before handing it to the children to read. Be prepared for some questions!

My daughter (age 9) read this to herself one weekend, then she re-read it aloud to me in the car the following week (we have a very long commute to work and school). We both loved this book. As an adventure, it is as good as Tom Sawyer, or Treasure Island, or Kidnapped--and it is a girl's adventure! It is a great book for young girls who are beginning to feel the need for adventure and independence or for girls who love horses.

I give this book five stars because I think Riding Freedom is a good book. It was an encouraging book. It is about a girl named Charlotte Parkhurst who loves horses. This book is a historical fiction story; it is a wonderful book. My favorite part was when she saw a pitchfork aiming at her face. I recommend this book. I really enjoyed it. Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selslick did a great job.

This Historical Fiction book by Pam Munoz Ryan was literally the best book I've ever read. It is a story about a girl who lives in an orphanage. As a 12 year old, she finds no satisfaction in her life at the orphanage in being the cook's helper. Since her parents' death, only one thing matters to her- horses. So she runs away, disguised as a boy, determined to full-fill her dream of owning a ranch and horses. As a boy, she was allowed to vote, becoming the first woman to do so. Kids who read this book will be enchanted by the horses and will relate to Charlotte's determination because Charlotte was a girl about our age. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or just likes a terrific read.

This is a fictional story based on the life of Charlotte Parkhurst, a stage coach driver who lived during the mid 1800s.

In the story, Charlotte grew up as the only girl in a boy's orphanage where she constantly struggled for freedom and equality. She loved horses and spent every available minute either caring for them or riding them. Because she was a girl, she wasn't held to very high esteem by those around her. The feelings of the boys around her didn't matter as long as she was able to ride horses.

When Charlotte faced the threat of losing the thing she loved most, she had to take action and decided to run away from the orphanage. She disguised herself as a boy in order to hide from the authorities and to obtain work on her own.

Charolotte grew to become a legendary stagecoach driver. She was also the first woman to vote.

My nine-year old daughter loved this book. She was so moved by this story, that she decided to do more research on Charlotte Parkhurst and write a report on her for school.

I was moved by this story as well. It reminded me of how far women have come in the fight for equality.

When Charley (the main character) was living miserably at the orphanage, she didnt't just give up. She ran away and found a job at something she loved to do, working with horses. I think she was brave and smart to make other people believe she was a man all her life. She has lots of adventures and works hard, and finally realizes her dream. Reading this book is a lot of fun, especially for people who love horses, or like reading about people who don't let bad things keep them from being happy.

This book will capture the attention of boys and girls. It is a wonderful story about a young girl fighting to be herself despite the gender roles of her era. Lots of adventure and history are included in this captivating story. A must!

Hi i'm gonna tell you why you should read this.One thing it is not how you would think it would be like.Charlotte and her parents get in a crash.She keeps the reins to the horse.The doctor could not get it out of her hands.She has to go to a orphanage and her best friend gets adopted.Well, you will just have to see what else happens.Get ready for surprises and a lot of changes.

This book is awasome with a capital "A"! I love it so much-read it when I was about 12/13, I'm 16 now and I can't wait to read it again! I have been riding since I was in 2nd grade-great novel for young equestrians like me! The main caracter (as well as the story) is based on an actual person from that era! Great way to make learning American history fun! I would highly recomend this book! The title is very appropriate because not only does she ride a horse named Freedom, but riding in general makes one feel free and as if your truly flying!

Riding Freedom is about a girl named Charlett and she
was sent to a boys orphanange. And she runs away when
her best friend gets taken away.And she finds him a few
years later in Boston. I liked this book because Charlett was so brave. I didn't like Mr.Millshark because was so mean.