From Goodreads,"Charlotte Parkhurst is raised in an orphanage for boys, which suits her just fine. She doesn’t like playing with dolls, she can hold her own in a fight, and she loves to work in the stables. Charlotte has a way with horses and wants to spend her life training and riding them on a ranch of her own.
The problem is, as a girl in the mid-1800s, Charlotte is expected to live a much different life – one without freedom. But Charlotte is smart and determined, and she figures out a way to live her dreams with a plan so clever and so secret – almost no one figures it out."
Goodreads - Riding Freedom
Awards and Nominations:
- Grand Canyon Reader Award for Immediate Book (2000)
- California Young Readers Medal for Intermediate (2000)
- Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award Nominee (2001)
In today's world, you can be anything and you can do anything you want. Unfortunately, that was not always the case. This book tells the story of a young girl named Charlotte who wanted to be adopted and to spend her time with horses. When her best friend at the orphanage was adopted she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She ran away, cut her hair, and dressed as a boy. As time went on she was able to spend time with the horses living her life the way she intended it to be - free.
This was an exceptional book. I loved that this was based on a true story and that many of the events in the book happened. In the 1800s women were expected to cook, clean, and care for the children. Charlotte knew that wanted a life spent with the horses that she had a special connection to. Charlotte knew what would make her happy and she took matters into her own hands. I think everyone can take this lesson and apply it to their own happiness in life. I know that I would love to be a librarian and that to do that I will have to take matters into my own hands by going back to college and putting in the time and effort to get my masters. No one is going to hand it to me and no one cares if I do or do not get my degree. It is up to me to ensure that I find my happiness. Charlotte knew this and she did what she had to do to make sure she was free of the expectations of women and that she was happy.
My only complaint with this book was that it was too short. It is absolutely the perfect length for children, but as an adult, I wanted more. I would love to read a book about her life. I did a little research and found that she had apparently given birth at some point and that a baby's dress was found at her house. I completely understand why details were omitted, but I would love to read an adult version of Charlotte's story.
Overall, I was very impressed with this book. It had a strong female character in it who was determined to do whatever necessary to ensure happiness. I give this 4 stars and think it would be a perfect read for students in 4th to 5th grade.
This was an exceptional book. I loved that this was based on a true story and that many of the events in the book happened. In the 1800s women were expected to cook, clean, and care for the children. Charlotte knew that wanted a life spent with the horses that she had a special connection to. Charlotte knew what would make her happy and she took matters into her own hands. I think everyone can take this lesson and apply it to their own happiness in life. I know that I would love to be a librarian and that to do that I will have to take matters into my own hands by going back to college and putting in the time and effort to get my masters. No one is going to hand it to me and no one cares if I do or do not get my degree. It is up to me to ensure that I find my happiness. Charlotte knew this and she did what she had to do to make sure she was free of the expectations of women and that she was happy.
My only complaint with this book was that it was too short. It is absolutely the perfect length for children, but as an adult, I wanted more. I would love to read a book about her life. I did a little research and found that she had apparently given birth at some point and that a baby's dress was found at her house. I completely understand why details were omitted, but I would love to read an adult version of Charlotte's story.
Overall, I was very impressed with this book. It had a strong female character in it who was determined to do whatever necessary to ensure happiness. I give this 4 stars and think it would be a perfect read for students in 4th to 5th grade.
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