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On My Own History
Sybil Ludington's Midnight Ride
The story of Sybil Ludington's ride on horseback to rouse American soldiers to fight against the British who were attacking Danbury, Connecticut during the American Revolution.
Introduce young readers to history through the stories of both real and fictionalized people. By focusing on a single important episode that describes a historical event, these books engage readers' interests and imaginations. Written in a story format, each account relates events that really happened, often followed by a brief summary of the historical event to further explain the significance it had on history.
Introduce young readers to history through the stories of both real and fictionalized people. By focusing on a single important episode that describes a historical event, these books engage readers' interests and imaginations. Written in a story format, each account relates events that really happened, often followed by a brief summary of the historical event to further explain the significance it had on history.
48 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 2000
3 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 19, 2019
Summary: Sybil Ludington had all the spunk, determination, and bravery of a fictional heroine, but she was an actual real-life person. Sybil Ludington was alive more than 200 years ago, but her brave dedication to our country has brought us where we are today. This book takes us on a journey back in time to the 1700s when America was not yet a country. Sybil Ludington lived a typical life for a girl her age, spending her days cooking and cleaning with her mother and playing games with friends her age. There was one thing that was unique about her though, she was the daughter of a Revolutionary War patriot named Colonel Henry Ludington. Henry Ludington had fought in the French and Indian War and was a mill worker who sometimes hid patriots in his home from the British. Sybil would help her father by taking food and blankets to the men hiding in their home. Colonial Ludington was in charge of the army of volunteer soldiers in the area where they lived. On the evening of April 26, 1777, someone delivered a message to the Ludington family that the British were burning a nearby town. Someone needed to deliver the information to the soldiers who were living in their home oblivious to the danger they were all in. The patriots needed to stop the British from burning their supplies and ending the war. The man who had brought this message was too exhausted from the journey to deliver the message to the rest of the minutemen. Brave Sybil decided that she would be the one to ride on horseback through the night warning the soldiers of the British impending arrival. Sybil’s parents were afraid of the danger this would put her in, but finally agreed to let her go. Will Sybil make the journey safe and sound or will the British arrive sooner than expected and take down the entire community? Read The Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington by Marlene Perez to find out.
Evaluation: This book was a 4/5 for me because it was a great way to introduce myself to Sybil Ludington and her midnight ride. I learned a lot and developed an interest for this historical character that I had never heard of before this.
Teaching Point: I would use this book to introduce the Revolutionary War and get my students excited about what they're learning. It will be cool to show them that a kid had this big of a part in the war effort!
Evaluation: This book was a 4/5 for me because it was a great way to introduce myself to Sybil Ludington and her midnight ride. I learned a lot and developed an interest for this historical character that I had never heard of before this.
Teaching Point: I would use this book to introduce the Revolutionary War and get my students excited about what they're learning. It will be cool to show them that a kid had this big of a part in the war effort!
December 3, 2009
This is a fascinating true story of a young woman's ride to assemble the Minutemen in order to fight back the British troops who were attacking at Danbury, Connecticut. Very similar to the story of Paul Revere, but a virtual unknown, even for me growing up in Massachusetts. I love the patriotism and bravery demonstrated by this young woman, and it is a positive story to read to our girls about what women (and girls) can do. The best part is that they enjoyed the story as well. I love it when we read some "serious" stories and they become engrossed. I was afraid that it would be boring or too long, but it had great illustrations and was just the right length to keep their interest.
February 17, 2016
When British soldiers landed near Danbury New York 16 year old Sybil rode all threw the rainy night to gather her father's soldiers to defend the town. General Washington personally thanked her for her help with the war. This story is excitingly told and interesting to read. There are some great illustrations as well. I enjoyed reading it. It would be great to read it out loud to younger children.
February 22, 2018
The author's note at the beginning says, "Sometimes, history remembers his story and forgets hers." So true! 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode twice as far as Paul Revere. Her tale should be remembered and celebrated as well.
March 13, 2019
"Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Sybil Luddington..."
Well, you might have if Longfellow had chosen a different subject. Instead we have this book, that tells the true story of a sixteen year old girl who rode through the cold, rainy night in the woods of Connecticut to rally soldiers to the defense of Danbury, which was being burned by British troops in 1777. The focus is on her bravery and intelligence, with illustrations that help clarify her ride for kids who might not have much experience being in deep woods at night on horseback. :) Her ride was important - had the British not been turned back by the surprise mustering of American troops, they might have gone on to ambush Washington's troops quartered two days away. George Washington personally thanked her, and the end notes have a picture of a statue in her honor.
This is a good, short book that can help personalize the Revolution for kids. The reading level is about mid-third grade, and as this seems to be when schools start teaching American History, it works out well. (It will appeal to horse-mad girls, too. The horse isn't ignored here.) There aren't a lot of true adventures featuring kids, so they'll probably really like this exciting story.
Of the midnight ride of Sybil Luddington..."
Well, you might have if Longfellow had chosen a different subject. Instead we have this book, that tells the true story of a sixteen year old girl who rode through the cold, rainy night in the woods of Connecticut to rally soldiers to the defense of Danbury, which was being burned by British troops in 1777. The focus is on her bravery and intelligence, with illustrations that help clarify her ride for kids who might not have much experience being in deep woods at night on horseback. :) Her ride was important - had the British not been turned back by the surprise mustering of American troops, they might have gone on to ambush Washington's troops quartered two days away. George Washington personally thanked her, and the end notes have a picture of a statue in her honor.
This is a good, short book that can help personalize the Revolution for kids. The reading level is about mid-third grade, and as this seems to be when schools start teaching American History, it works out well. (It will appeal to horse-mad girls, too. The horse isn't ignored here.) There aren't a lot of true adventures featuring kids, so they'll probably really like this exciting story.
Want to Read
July 27, 2021Removed from my wish list when I discovered Sybil's ride is likely a beloved myth like Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyan. There is no proof, no documentation, Sybil took that ride. It's said that genealogy without documentation is mythology. Sybil Ludington is on my family tree, and I was excited to learn more about her accomplishments. Yet, the more I looked, the more I found to question Sybil's ride. Yes, there was a Sybil Ludington. There is ample documentation to back her existence (her father was an American hero). As for the ride, there is nothing solid to be found concerning it. The feat didn't appear in print until about 100 years after; her descendants self-published the account in the 20th century.
If one can view her story as inspirational and not as historical, the book seems well worth the read as reviews are favorable.
If one can view her story as inspirational and not as historical, the book seems well worth the read as reviews are favorable.
April 14, 2019
1. Awards- None
2. Grade level- 2nd-5th
3. Original summary- With little time left Sybil has a very important job to warn her people of the attack that is waiting to happen. With just herself and her horse, Sybil rides through the town in the dark to warn her town what is to come.
4. Original review- This book was shown to me by my American Literature professor and I really enjoyed it. We are so used to hearing Paul Reveres ride and perspective many don't even know that he had help of others let alone a young girl.
5. In class uses- Map out the destinations from the book and see how far she traveled on her midnight ride, to help children visualize the journey she endured.
2. Grade level- 2nd-5th
3. Original summary- With little time left Sybil has a very important job to warn her people of the attack that is waiting to happen. With just herself and her horse, Sybil rides through the town in the dark to warn her town what is to come.
4. Original review- This book was shown to me by my American Literature professor and I really enjoyed it. We are so used to hearing Paul Reveres ride and perspective many don't even know that he had help of others let alone a young girl.
5. In class uses- Map out the destinations from the book and see how far she traveled on her midnight ride, to help children visualize the journey she endured.
May 5, 2026
Technical Execution The technical execution of the book is professional and polished. The author follows a clear framework that keeps the narrative organized and easy to follow. There is a visible effort to maintain a high standard of writing throughout all sections. Review the technical specifications of this edition at the link. >>> https://script.google.com/macros/s/AK...
March 13, 2018
4.25 stars This was excellent! I say this a lot .. but "WHY ISN'T SHE IN THE HISTORY BOOKS???" She probably saved the whole war. General Washington came and thanked her PERSONALLY!... oh yeah... it is because she is a girl! Um, like men are all that great.. wars, rapes, murders... BLAH! Sybil Ludington is a true American Hero AND she is a GIRL!! You GO GIRL!!
March 10, 2021
Tells the true story of a young girl who alerted the militia of a British attack in New York in 1778. Emphasizes that she did the same work as Paul Revere but with less recognition. Without her ride, the tide of the war may have been turned. George Washington recognized her for her service. In Carmel NY there is a statue to commemorate her service.
April 7, 2022
Yes, this is a children's book. It is worth reading if you have never heard of Sybil Ludington and her courageous ride in April, 1777. I hope that what she did for our country is now taught in history classes in schools around our country. Her name was new to me.
November 16, 2022
An elementary book about a true but little known midnight ride by a 16-year-old girl who gathered soldiers from their homes to defend a town when the British were attacking. A great Revolutionary War story that earned her a thank you from General Washington himself. Very short, quick read.
January 31, 2020
This made me cry. Great to show kids that women's stories were unsung in history.
October 15, 2014
A wonderful true story of a young woman and her long ride to bring the Minuteman to fight against the British in CT. An important read for young girls to show them that there have been strong and brave women throughout history. Great illustrations as well. Paul Revere's story may be better know, but, in my opinion, this story is more important for girls and women!
March 3, 2013
Excellent story of bravery of a young adult during early U.S. history. 1st-2nd grade reading level. One reference to "ghost" which is not critical to the story (can be skipped over if you are reading it with your child).
December 8, 2009
An interesting unknown story about a young woman during the War for Independence. Sybil's father is a leader in the military and must rely on her help to get messages through to his soldiers.
February 7, 2011
Very interesting. I liked Star, her horse. I think that if we didn't have Sybil we wouldn't be here right now.
March 25, 2017
A nice little bit of history about Sybil Lubington's role in gathering American soldiers to Danbury, Connecticut during the American Revolution.
April 21, 2017
Straightforward read about a virtually unknown hero of the Revolutionary War. Loved the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews