For the child fascinated by historical moments of courage and swift action, this poem vividly captures a general's race against time to inspire his troops.
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows an interest in American history, heroism, or adventure stories rooted in real events. This beautifully illustrated book presents Thomas Buchanan Read's classic 1865 poem about Union General Philip Sheridan's legendary 20-mile ride to rally his retreating troops during the Civil War's Battle of Cedar Creek. It powerfully conveys themes of courage, perseverance, and the impact of leadership. Best suited for ages 8 to 12, it's a fantastic, dramatic introduction to both narrative poetry and a pivotal moment in American history, using rhythmic language to make the past feel exciting and immediate.
Written in 1865, the poem reflects a patriotic, uncritical 19th-century view of the Union cause.
Sensitive Topics
The subject is the American Civil War, so warfare is the central theme. The approach is not graphic. It focuses on the heroism of the ride and the inspiration of leadership, not on the gore or death of battle. The tone is patriotic and glorifies the Union cause, which is typical of its time of writing (1865). The resolution is triumphant and unequivocally hopeful from the Union perspective.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 9 to 11 year old who is captivated by action, history, and animals (especially horses). They are likely a confident reader, able to handle the elevated vocabulary and structure of 19th-century poetry. This child is fascinated by individual acts of bravery and how one person can change the course of events.
Parent Prep
A parent should be ready to provide brief historical context about the American Civil War (Union vs. Confederacy) to situate the poem. Some vocabulary (e.g., "squadron," "flank," "steed") may need defining. The poem itself can be read cold, but its richness is enhanced by understanding the stakes of the battle and the war. The parent has noticed their child asking questions about heroes, courage, or the Civil War after a school unit or a family trip to a historical site. They are looking for a story that brings history to life in an engaging way, moving beyond dry facts to capture the emotion of a moment.
Age Experience
A younger reader, around 8, will connect with the thrilling horse ride, the rhythm of the poem, and the clear hero-saves-the-day plot. An older reader, around 12, will be better equipped to appreciate the historical significance, the poetic language and meter, and the deeper themes of leadership, morale, and the psychology of a routed army.
What Makes It Special
Unlike prose nonfiction or historical fiction about the Civil War, this book presents a primary source poem as an accessible picture book. This format offers a unique, rhythmic, and highly dramatic lens on a single, legendary event. It makes history feel epic and immediate, focusing on the emotional and inspirational power of a moment rather than a broad overview of the war.
Read plot summary
The book is an illustrated version of the 1865 poem. It recounts the true story of Union General Philip Sheridan, who was in Winchester when he heard the sounds of battle from Cedar Creek, nearly 20 miles away. Discovering his army was in full retreat, he rode furiously to the front lines, rallying his panicked men along the way with his presence and determination. He successfully reorganized them and led a counterattack that resulted in a decisive Union victory.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
