Bibliographical information:

Harlow, Joan Hiatt. Midnight Rider. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2005.

Brief summary:

In 1775, orphaned Hannah Andrews of Salem is indentured into service in the Boston household of General Thomas Gage. She disguises herself as a boy, initially to ride her beloved horse, but later to bring important information about British plans both to Paul Revere and to Salem. Harlow also represents Phillis Wheatley as a conduit of information between Mrs. Gage and the Sons of Liberty.

Comments:

Early in the novel, some of the historical exposition feels a bit unnatural, but the characters are appealing. Hannah is fiercely patriotic, but her real affection for her employers suggests the complicated loyalties of New Englanders in the months leading up to the American Revolution. The romantic plot is fairly predictable, but not central enough to put off my ten-year-old, who really liked the novel.

Harlow includes a historical note at the novel's end, offering further information and also explaining what elements of her story are rooted in fact.

Grade/Age level:

 Ages 9-14

Cautions:

--Lisa Gordis

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