Riding Freedom

"After ten years at the orphanage, Charlotte wasn't like most girls her age.  And who knew if it was growing up like a follow-along puppy in a pack of ruffian boys, or if it was just her own spit and fire.  But she never had a doll or a tea party.  She couldn't sew a stitch and she didn't know a petticoat from a pea pod."

"It would be easy to stay here and just go about her business.  At least she'd know where she'd be sleeping every night.  She'd have regular meals.  But she wouldn't have the things she loved.  What did Vern always say?  That the easy way ain't always going to get you anywhere."



Charlotte isn't like other girls.  She'd rather be outside than helping in the house and her very favorite place is the stables.  She can ride horses better than any of the boys at the orphanage and that's what gets her banned from the stables.  Unable to deal with the idea of never being with the horses again she decides to run away.  But in the 1800's there's no safe place for a girl to go by herself.  If only she wasn't a girl...

Why I Love It

Pam Munoz Ryan is one of my very favorite authors.  Last year for Christmas my husband rounded out my collection so I now have all of her books.  Best present ever!  My favorite thing about her stories is that she looks at the world from such uncommon perspectives.  There are so many stories about both boys and girls traveling west with their families.  Because Charlotte is such a deep character we get a different look at the westward movement and a fun perspective on the stagecoach industry, too.

I also love this book because, though the reading level isn't very high, there are tons of things to talk about!  Ryan gives us deep characters and compelling situations in a great historical setting which makes this book both a great shared read for kids and parents or good stretch for struggling older readers.

You Should Know

Riding Freedom is based on the life of Charlotte Darkey Parkhurst.  You can read more about her life in the back of the book or at this website.

Talking Points

• Why was it easier in the mid 1800's for a young boy to be seen alone than a young girl?  Is that still true today?  Why?
• Why do you think Ebeneezer is so willing to help 'Charley'?  Who do you think Charlotte reminds Ebeneezer of?
• Do you think Ebeneezer knows Charlotte's secret?  What makes you think that?
• Why is Charlotte still so afraid of Mr. Millshark?  What do you think about the way that she get's over her fear of him?
• What parts of Charlotte's character helped her to survive on her own?  
• When Charlotte insists on still driving a team after her accident she shows that she is determined and persistent.  Can you think of places where the author showed you other parts of Charlotte's character?
• Why does Charlotte decide to vote?  What makes her vote interesting or important.
• Do you think Hayward will come back and live with Charlotte?  Why or why not?
• What did the names Charlotte picked for the foals mean?  Can you use evidence from the book to back up your thinking?