Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade historical; biographical
• Originally Published: 1998
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 720L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 9 chapters, prologue, and epilogue; approximately 144 pages; approximately 2 hours, 21 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Riding Freedom is a middle grade historical novel based on the true story of Charlotte Parkhurst. Charlotte is born in the 19th century and orphaned at a young age. Determined to live life on her own terms, she disguises herself as a boy, Charley, and embarks on a journey to find freedom and pursue her passion for horses. The novel follows Charlotte’s inspiring journey as she becomes a skilled stagecoach driver and an advocate for women’s rights. Riding Freedom explores gender identity, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Gender identity; historical gender roles; challenges faced by women in the 19th century

Pam Muñoz Ryan, Author

• Bio: Born 1951; American author known for her diverse range of children’s and young adult books; often draws inspiration from historical events and figures
• Other Works: Esperanza Rising (2000); Echo (2015)
• Awards: WILLA Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction (1999); California Young Reader Medal (2001)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Having the Courage to Make Difficult Choices
• Persevering Despite Any Obstacle
• Gender Roles in 19th-Century America

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an increased understanding of the social and historical contexts around Gender Roles in 19th-Century America that drive the protagonist’s conflict.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Having the Courage to Make Difficult Choices, Persevering Despite Any Obstacle, and Gender Roles in 19th-Century America.
• Plan, design, and present Charlotte’s scrapbook, based on textual details.
• Analyze and evaluate plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding Vern’s importance to Charlotte, the role of movement in the novel, and other topics.