For readers captivated by untold historical tales, this book unveils the bravery of a young woman protecting her beloved horse amidst the chaos of the Revolutionary War.
A parent might reach for this book when their history-loving child, particularly one who also loves horses, is ready for a more nuanced and personal story of the American Revolution. Based on a real legend, the story follows young Tempe Wick, who lives near the Continental Army's winter camp. When a mutiny breaks out among the desperate, unpaid soldiers, she must use her wits to protect her beloved horse from being stolen. The book explores themes of bravery in the face of fear, resilience, and the difficult moral choices people make during wartime. It's an excellent historical fiction choice for older middle-grade readers that brings a specific, lesser-known event to life through the eyes of a resourceful young woman.
The 'antagonists' are desperate, starving soldiers, which complicates a simple good-versus-evil view.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the hardships of war, including starvation, mutiny, and the threat of violence. Death is a background theme (her mother has passed away, her father is ill, and war casualties are a reality). The approach is historical and realistic. The mutinying soldiers are portrayed with nuance, their desperation is clear, which complicates a simple good vs. evil narrative. The resolution for Tempe's immediate problem is hopeful and empowering, but the larger conflict of the war remains.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 10- to 14-year-old who enjoys historical fiction and is ready to move beyond simple battle narratives. They likely enjoy stories with strong, resourceful female protagonists and may have an interest in horses. It's for the reader who is beginning to appreciate moral complexity and understands that historical events are experienced by real, everyday people.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the complexities of the Revolutionary War. Specifically, the dire conditions that led to events like the Pennsylvania Line Mutiny. The book's historical notes are a great starting point for conversation. No specific scenes require previewing, but framing the soldiers' actions as a result of desperation, not just malice, can enrich a child's understanding. A parent notices their child finds history textbooks boring and wants to show them how exciting the past can be through personal stories. Another trigger might be a child who has devoured all the classic horse stories and is looking for a book with more depth and higher stakes.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will primarily connect with the adventure and suspense of hiding the horse. They will root for Tempe and Bonny. An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the historical context, the moral ambiguity of the soldiers' mutiny, and Tempe's internal journey as she navigates fear, responsibility, and her place in the world-changing events around her.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many Revolutionary War novels that focus on Boston or major battles, this book illuminates a specific, less-common event (the Morristown encampment and mutiny) from a civilian, female perspective. The fusion of a beloved local legend with a well-researched historical backdrop gives it a unique, intimate feel that makes a large-scale conflict deeply personal.
Read plot summary
Set during the winter of 1781 in Morristown, New Jersey, the book centers on Temperance “Tempe” Wick. Her family's farm is near the encampment of the Continental Army, and the community is strained by the war. When a mutiny erupts among the unpaid and starving Pennsylvania soldiers, two of them attempt to confiscate Tempe’s beloved horse, Bonny. In a desperate and clever act, Tempe tricks the soldiers and hides the full-sized horse in her bedroom for three days to keep her safe. The story weaves this central conflict with Tempe's relationships, her coming-of-age, and the harsh, complex realities faced by civilians during the war.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The soldiers who tried to take Bonny were part of a mutiny because they were starving and unpaid. Does their desperation make their actions understandable, even if they were wrong? Why or why not?
2
Tempe risks her own safety and defies soldiers to protect her horse. What do you think this says about her character? Was her decision more brave or more reckless?
3
How does seeing the Revolutionary War through Tempe's eyes, as a civilian girl on a farm, change your perspective compared to stories about soldiers and generals?
4
Tempe's mother taught her to be strong and independent. How did these lessons help her handle the crisis with the soldiers and the horse?
