For a child who loves a good mystery and finding courage, this book features a young girl caught up in an unexpected adventure with a real-life bandit.
A parent might reach for this book for a child ready for an adventure with more complexity, one where the 'bad guy' isn't so clear cut and courage comes from facing unexpected fears. The story follows Josephine, or Jo, a young girl traveling alone by stagecoach to her new home. When the coach is robbed by the infamous 'Gentleman Bandit,' a series of mishaps leaves her stranded in the wilderness with the injured outlaw. Jo must find her own strength to survive while unraveling a mystery and deciding who she can truly trust. This fast paced historical mystery is perfect for middle grade readers who love suspense, resourceful protagonists, and stories that explore the gray areas between right and wrong.
The protagonist chooses to help a known criminal, challenging the idea of who is good and who is bad.
Sensitive Topics
The central theme is moral ambiguity. The protagonist befriends and aids a known outlaw, questioning the definition of 'criminal' and 'justice'. This is handled in a secular way, focusing on personal ethics. There is a non-graphic gunshot wound that is a major plot point. The resolution is hopeful, with justice prevailing, but it acknowledges the complexity of the circumstances that led the bandit to his actions.
Ideal Reader
This is for an 8 to 11 year old who enjoys classic adventures (like 'My Side of the Mountain') but wants the added thrill of a mystery. It's perfect for a child who is beginning to think about moral gray areas and enjoys seeing a capable protagonist make difficult, independent choices. It suits a reader who is ready for a story where heroes are flawed and villains are not always who they seem.
Parent Prep
The core premise involves a child helping a criminal and lying to authority figures. Parents should be ready to discuss this. A good conversation starter would be: 'Why did Jo trust the bandit instead of the posse? Was it the right thing to do?' The book can be read cold, but this central moral question is ripe for discussion. A parent has noticed their child is intrigued by questions of fairness or has expressed fear about being alone or helpless. The parent is looking for a book that models resourcefulness and shows that courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily connect with the exciting survival plot: hiding, finding food, and the adventure of it all. An older reader (10-12) will be more engaged with the moral dilemma, the unreliability of the adult characters, and the mystery of the stolen money. They will better appreciate the nuances of the bandit's character and the story's commentary on justice.
What Makes It Special
While many books feature survival, this story's unique element is the relationship between the child and the sympathetic outlaw. The tension comes not just from surviving in the wild, but from navigating a complex moral landscape. It's a character driven mystery wrapped in an adventure, focusing on judgment and ethical courage.
Read plot summary
Twelve year old Josephine, traveling alone to a new home, is on a stagecoach held up by the notorious Gentleman Bandit. After the coach crashes, Jo finds herself alone in the woods with the bandit, who has been shot. Forced into a survival situation, Jo must tend to his wound while hiding from the pursuing posse. As she gets to know the bandit, she begins to suspect he is not the villain he's made out to be, and that the real criminals are still at large. She must use her wits to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start of the book, Jo is very afraid of the Gentleman Bandit. What key moments or conversations change her mind about him?
2
Jo lies to the sheriff's posse to protect the bandit. Do you think she made the right choice? What might have happened if she had told the truth?
3
The bandit says that sometimes people do the wrong things for the right reasons. What does he mean by this, and do you think it applies to his actions in the story?
4
Jo uses her cleverness and knowledge of the outdoors to survive. What do you think was her smartest or bravest moment in the woods?
