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Book Cover for: Riding Freedom, Pam Muñoz Ryan

Riding Freedom

Pam Muñoz Ryan

Nominee:Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award -Grades 4-8 (2001)
Nominee:Virginia Readers Choice Award -Elementary (2001)

Children's Literature Legacy Award Winner

This remarkable story was inspired by the true adventures of a little known, horse-loving heroine of the west. Perfect for fans of Pax, Wildoak, and A Horse Named Sky.

Charlotte Parkhurst was raised in an orphanage for boys, which suited her just fine. She didn't like playing with dolls, she could hold her own in a fight, and she loved to work in the stable. Charlotte had a special way with horses and wanted to spend her life training and riding them on a ranch of her own.

The problem was, as a girl in the mid-1800s, Charlotte was expected to live a much different life--one without the freedoms she dreamed of. But Charlotte was smart and determined, and she figured out a way to live her life on her terms.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
  • Publish Date: Sep 1st, 1999
  • Pages: 160
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.50in - 5.20in - 0.50in - 0.20lb
  • EAN: 9780439087964
  • Recommended age: 09-12
  • Categories: Biographical - United StatesHistorical - United States - 19th CenturyAnimals - Horses

About the Author

Ryan, Pam Muñoz: - Pam Muñoz Ryan is the recipient of the Newbery Honor Medal and the Kirkus Prize for her New York Times bestselling novel, Echo, as well as the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award and the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award for multicultural literature for her body of work. She is the 2018 U.S. nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award and 2024 Children's Literature Legacy Award Recipient. Her celebrated novels, Mañanaland, Echo, Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi Léon, and Paint the Wind, have received countless accolades, among them two Pura Belpré Awards, a NAPPA Gold Award, a Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and two Américas Awards. Her acclaimed picture books include Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and When Marian Sang, both illustrated by Brian Selznick, and Tony Baloney, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, as well as a beginning reader series featuring Tony Baloney. Ryan lives near San Diego, California, with her family.
Selznick, Brian: - Brian Selznick's books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and been translated into more than 35 languages. He broke open the novel form with his innovative and genre-defying thematic trilogy, beginning with the Caldecott Medal-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning movie Hugo. He followed that with the #1 New York Times bestseller, Wonderstruck, adapted into the eponymous movie by celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes, with a screenplay by Selznick, and the New York Times bestseller, The Marvels. Selznick's two most recent books for young people, Baby Monkey, Private Eye, an ALA Notable Book co-written with his husband David Serlin, and Kaleidoscope, a New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2021, were both New York Times bestsellers as well. He also illustrated the 20th anniversary edition covers of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Selznick and Serlin divide their time between Brooklyn, New York and La Jolla, California. Learn more at thebrianselznick.com and mediaroom.scholastic.com/brianselznick.

Praise for this book

"With a pacing that moves along at a gallop, this is a skillful execution of a fascinating historical tale." -Publishers Weekly, starred review"Middle-schoolers will love the horse adventures and the stories of her trickery..." --Booklist"Youngsters who liked Caddie Woodlawn better unreformed and who appreciate an atmospheric blend of grit, gorses, and history will want to take a ride with Charley." -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books