About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of responsibility or needs to see a vivid example of how one person's determination can change the course of a difficult day. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels small in a big world and wants to understand the power of showing up when things get tough. Through the rhythmic, galloping cadence of Thomas Buchanan Read's classic Civil War poem, children experience the urgency and bravery of General Philip Sheridan as he races twenty miles to rejoin his retreating army. While the setting is a 19th-century battlefield, the emotional core focuses on the bond between a rider and his horse and the sheer perseverance required to face a daunting challenge. The 1993 Greenwillow edition features expansive illustrations that provide helpful visual context for the historical setting without being overly graphic. It is a wonderful tool for building vocabulary and introducing the concept of legacy, making it a sophisticated yet accessible read for elementary-aged children who love action and history.
