Charlotte Parkhurst was orphaned as a toddler when her family's team of horses were frightened in a thunderstorm and their wagon went over a cliff. She survived the crash, as did the horses who watched over her until neighbors found her. She spent most of her young life in an orphanage for boys. She worked in the kitchen, but her true love was the stable and her beloved horses. She disguised herself as a boy and ran away at the age of twelve. She found work as a stable boy and her amazing way with animals soon helped her advance to become the most trusted stagecoach driver in the country. She eventually made her way to California to become the first woman to vote in any United States Federal Election, even though she did so registered as 'Charley' Parkhurst. Riding Freedom is a fictional account of the true story of Charlotte 'Charley' Parkhurst, the most fearless stage coach driver in the country.
Awards nominated: Bluestem Award Nominee 2012
Date read: 3/22/2011
ISBN-13: 9781439574096
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