Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan, Brian Selznick (Illustrator), Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

By the age of 12, Charlotte Parkhurst knows the world of the 1860s holds more opportunities for boys than girls. So she cuts off her hair, dons boy's clothing and begins a new life that gives her many privileges, including the right to vote. Finalist for the 1999-2000 California Young Reader Medal. "A skillful execution of a fascinating historical tale, " says "Publishers Weekly."

Publishers 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.)

Publishers 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.

Children's Literature

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

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