Black Storm Comin'

by Diane Lee Wilson

Forced to tend to his mother and two sisters by himself while on the wagon train to California, biracial Colton Wescott and his family have great difficulties and are shunned by others, thus Colton decides to join up with the Pony Express in the hopes of making money for his family, knowing that he is risking his life if his true identity is ever discovered.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Middle Grade, Horses, Survival, Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2005

About the author

Diane Lee Wilson has always ridden horses and has an extensive collection of horse books in her home in Escondido, California. She is the author of Black Storm Comin', a Booklist Editors' Choice, a VOYA Top Shelf Fiction Pick, and a Book Links Lasting Connection, and Firehorse, which received a starred review in Booklist, is a Booklist Top Ten Mystery/Suspense for Youth, and a winner of the ALA Amelia Bloomer Project.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Storm Comin' is an insightful look at a period in our history, that although short-lived, was as important to the country as any. In this fictionalized account of a pony express rider, twelve-year-old Colton Wescott faces dangers, both human and environmental, in his race to deliver the mail from Carson City to Sacramento. Born of a black mother and white father, Colton resembles his father enough to 'pass for white' and secures a spot on the pony express team even at his tender age. His father up and ran off after he accidentally shot Colton in the leg, and Colton grows up in a hurry when his mother becomes sick after her youngest baby dies. Colton does what he feels he has to do...earn money and support the family as best he can. His story takes the reader on a breathless journey filled with danger, treachery, and bravery. Colton's pony-express adventures through the western part of this young country are indicative of the hard working, loyal and determined young men who delivered the mail through storms, snow, sleet and danger. He is true to his word and is hailed as a hero, as he contributes a small part to the freeing of slaves, just before the election of Abraham Lincoln.
This is a book that is hard to put down because Colton and his family become part of yours. An exciting historical fiction read for young readers.

[Hope Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was poorly written and the plot was just awful. i literally fell asleep on the page. the entire time i read this i had no idea what i was reading. i didnt give up on this book because some books dont get really good until the end, not in this case. it was horrible from the beginning through the end. i now have to write an essay on a book that had no content and was HORRIBLE. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

[socialiezer123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

i had to do this book for a school report...and can i say i fell asleep durning the first 3PAGES! it really didnt get me and i dont want to read the rest...so if ur a girl who likes chick-lit...pray to the lord that ur mean history techer dosnt give u this book to read.

[Mrs. Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Historical Fiction - this one about the Pony Express.

[Randal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't read many YA books. Heck, I probably have read one since I was a YA myself. But, this one caught my eye - a tale of a biracial Pony Express rider carrying an important message to Sacramento about the looming Civil War. Ooh, yeah. That sounds good.

But, overall, this book was boring. It starts out as 12-year old Colton Wescott and his family are part of a wagon train headed to California. After his father deserts the family, Colton has to assume responsibility for his ill mother and two young sisters. The wagon train journey takes up half of the book, and it just doesn't click. When Colton finally joins up with the Pony Express in Carson City, Nev., the author sticks her heels in the ribs of the narrative and the pace picks up. But, it never really connects. Great idea for a story, just not great execution of it.

It was a good book to read, however, during the current efforts to defund the US Postal Service. There once was a time when the delivery of mail was so important that that young men literally risked their lives to carry it, on horseback, across the wilds of the West. Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor dark of night indeed!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Storm Comin’ was a very interesting read. It was a different type of book than I usually like to read, and at first I was just reading it for an English assignment, but as I started reading it, I started liking it more and more, even though it’s not the type of genre I enjoy. The story of a young boy trying to make a living to support his family and deliver an important letter by riding on the Pony Express is inspirational and dangerous. Then there are other unexpected challenges the main character faces on his journey, and unexpected allies. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that I definitely didn’t anticipate, and some that I did. This book took place about the time that Lincoln was elected president, and slavery plays a key role in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to people who love reading, especially those who enjoy historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book, and hope that whoever else reads it enjoys it as well.

[SFrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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What impressed me was the young man's sense of responsibility at such a young age. Kids in the present day, have no clue, nor do the parents seem to be instilling much either.

I most definitely will look forward to reading another book of Ms. Wilson's. In particular, Firehorse will be the next one on my list.

[Anthony Tralongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that the Black Storm Comin' was a great book. The book had a genuine depiction of the era. It had an in-depth description of what life was really like during the 1850s. The character was always dealing with death and adversity but was able to overcome them. It had a happy ending with him paying off his debt plus getting to see his mom and sister was a great touch to the book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is interesting and the action driving the story forward kept me reading. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is the descriptions of Colton’s rides were way too long. The book could have been 100 pages shorter - and I think it would have been better for it.

[Bella Loxtercamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I don't read books like it often, but I loved the unique, old-timey feel it had and the little glance it gave into an important time in American history.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

read with one of my students. good

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colton Westcott (12) is on his way west to Sacramento, CA, with his family when his father accidentally shoots him and then runs off. Colton’s baby brother passes away, and his mother takes ill, and their caravan doesn’t want the Westcotts with them anyway, because they’re black (Colton’s mother is black and his father was white) – though, Colton can pass for white. When they get left behind in a small town about 100 miles shy of Sacramento, Colton tries to do right by his family. He gets his mom much-needed medical attention, and leaves her and his sisters in care of the doctor while he looks for work. He’s able to get a job as a Pony Express rider (even though he’s way too young, he can sit a horse like nobody’s business and stick to the saddle) – he’s got more pluck and determination than the older kids. His first ride goes smoothly until the end, when something spooks his horse and it throws him. When he finally returns to his boss, he won’t take him back. While they’re arguing, another rider brings in an important letter that absolutely must get to Sacramento (one that may prevent the assassination of new President, Abraham Lincoln). Colton steals the mailbag when no one is looking and heads out on his spunky black horse, Badger. After a grueling ride, they make it to Sacramento, and Colton makes good on the delivery (thus preventing a terrible blow to abolitionists in the state and preventing President Lincoln’s assassination).

This was some good historical fiction. I liked learning about the Pony Express and imagining what the experience was like. It’s also a good horse and boy story – Colton has a way with horses (he’s good to them and they trust him). There’s also adventure, excitement, and suspense, as well as a good deal about race relations. This story takes place on the cusp of the Civil War, and slavery is still very much in evidence. Even free blacks are concerned about being mistaken for slaves – and being returned to slave owners. Colton is an admirable character. He’s much stronger than his father (who may or may not have come back at the end – Colton thinks he recognizes his horse), and does a good job of holding his family together and doing right by them. He actively changes how people view him – most white people look down on him (if they can tell he’s part black), and most black people think he’s in the wrong place. There’s a subplot where Colton delivers some freedom papers to his Aunt – already living in Sacramento, and she’s extremely excited to know him and to have her freedom officially. There are plenty of issues in this book that would make for a good discussion of the time period, Colton’s ethnicity and his choices. This was one of my favorites of this year’s Caudill nominees.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a talk about the book Black Storm Comin’ by Diane Lee Wilson. An amazing book. Imagine having to do whatever you can to support your family. To ride through harsh and unbearable conditions to make whatever you can to help. Colton Westcot is just a twelve-year-old boy with semi-fair skin and the hope to ride horses to help his family when his father ran away because he accidentally shot him in the leg and to help his sick mother. And find his aunt. The pony express seems to be the only solution to his problems as a job, allowing him to ride the terrain. Though to ride with the pony express he’ll have to lie about his age, and race, and face the harsh terrains and all the other challenges thrown at him. Through this adventure, Colton might learn to not give up. Will he do what he thinks is morally right or will he betray his feelings to help his family? What would you do in his situation?

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding the Pony Express seems to be the only way 12-year-old Colton Wescott can earn the money to pay for his Ma's doctor. He's more than willing and his soul seems to want to gallop across the deserts and mountains... but it's not as easy as all that. Colton's Pa is white and his Ma is a free black woman. Although Colton's light enough to "pass" for white, he knows he could be hanged if he's caught. And the route they need him to ride is extremely treacherous, over the Sierra Nevada mountains. But Colton's got more than money at stake. His Ma is trusting him to deliver freedom papers to her sister in Sacramento. And there's no time to lose. With a country on the brink of war, every second counts.

This wild west adventure story has a very interesting perspective and there's a lot going on. Not only is Colton considering issues of race, but he's also testing himself. Can he "keep it together" and stick to his route? Can he keep his family together? And might he even play a part in keeping the Union together? At this time, the Pony Express was responsible for bringing news of the developing war to the prosperous state of California. I found it to be a really interesting and gripping book (and one I wouldn't have picked up if it hadn't been nominated for a Caudill... hurrah for the Caudills!).

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book won the 2006 Spur Award given by the Western Writers of America for Juvenile Fiction. It's about a young man, Colton Wescott, who is moving west with his family, and due to a terrible set of circumstances, decides to help his family by becoming a Pony Express rider. I learned quite a bit about the Pony Express from this book, and painlessly too :). The author integrates the story and information very well. Colton has some adventures with his early rides, but learns quickly and enjoys his new work.

This book is also the story of a mixed race family in 1860, just as Abraham Lincoln is about to be elected president. Colton can pass for white, and does, though he feels torn about it. This is a very interesting aspect to the book, and adds a lot to the story.

I recommend Black Storm Comin' to readers of Westerns and historical fiction of all ages. I was reminded a little of Beverly Jenkins western romances, which take place in black communities established in the west after the Civil War, though Jenkins' books contain adult content.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story Colton Wescott, a young boy, has to provide for his family while moving west towards California when his dad abandons the family. The only way for him to earn money is to join the Pony Express, but he finds he way end up perishing on the rough trails he faces.
The book provides great detail and excitement throughout the story. Problems that seem impossible to overcome are somehow solved. One can become attached to the characters and it makes the novel hard to put down.
The only bad part about the story was that there were so many problems that occured it became harde to keep up with everything that was happening. However the book included great detail and imagry which allowed one to image and understand some difficult concepts.
If someone is looking for an exciting and adventurous story than this book is for you. It is full of facts but, they are intertwined within the story to make it enjoyable to read and learn. However there is no room for romance and drama in this book, leave that to the girly books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel. Colton Wescott was a twelve year old boy in a coming of age situation. His father was white, his mother mixed race. While Colton could pass for white, his sisters could not. It was never anything Colton paid any attention to. His family was part of a wagon train headed for California. After a shooting accident, his father left the train never to been seen again. His mother's health failed after the birth and death of a baby. The wagon train killed two of their oxen and let them behind. Through perseverance, Colton got the family to a small community called Chinatown. He went on to become a mail rider for the pony express, even though he was too young. The story of the coming election of Lincoln, the pony express, the decision as to be considered white or black all faced the young man in his adventures. Well worth recommending for upper primary and young adults.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1860, on a wagon train headed to California, Colton finds himself in charge of his family after his father accidentally shoots him and runs off. A product of a racially mixed family,Colton looks more like his white Pa, then his black Ma. Without the protection of his father the family is harassed, ignored, and abandoned by the wagon train. Colton finds the courage that he needs to lead his mother and siblings to the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas before Ma's illness stops them. Needing money and needing to deliver freedom papers to Ma's sister in California, Colton joins the Pony Express. The dangers that are inherent in this new job bring Colton face to face with not only the fierce storms of winter in the mountains, but with slave traders and those who question who he is.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

When his father abandons the family on their journey to California in 1860, 12-year-old Colton Westcott decides to become a Pony Express rider.

Good action/adventure scenes, strong main character (but other characters are not developed), and interesting tidbits about the Pony Express. I found myself skimming some of the passages. I thought the ending was a little contrived. The Lincoln letter, Colton's horse making the journey to Sacramento over the Sierra Nevada Mountain range - when it takes 8 Pony Express ponies to cover the same route - and running into his nemesis Jeremiah all combined to make the end of the story somewhat unbelievable. Regardless, this is a good read - and is recommended for 4-8 grade students (especially boys.)

[Thom Nyi · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok so i had to read this book for school and hated it. i tried looking for reviews, praise, etc. and there was nothing. according to wikipedia the author and the book doesnt exist. i could barely finish this lame book. really, who cares? this is the worst topic ever for a book. pony express. really. why not the civil war and the kid rode a horse through a battlefield mabye that would be interesting. i want to sue the author of this book for one of the worst books i have ever read. read this and you will die of boredom, i am still recovering from extreme boredom, and have to do something other than reading or i will go into shock

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a boy's determination. He and his family are trying to get to California by wagon train. Pa rides off and leaves them and the wagon train also deserts them. Colton has to grow up very fast. He has to get his family to the nearest town because his Ma is sick. They have no money and little food. Colton decides to ride for the Pony Express but he has to convince Mr. Roberts to hire him. It is a true adventure story with narrow escapes and suspense to keep the pages turning along with a very important message that will stick with the reader long after the book ends.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

After his father abandons his family, Colton Westcott, biracial 12 year old boy en route to California in 1860, needs money to support his family. A WANTED sign from the Pony Express might just be the answer.

Slow and sad start but the story picks up after the first 90 pages. Strong main character, good tension, and interesting Pony Express tidbits. However, found events at the close (Lincoln letter, running into Jeremiah, Badger's run up the mountain) improbable / unbelievable. Still, recommendable for 5-8th graders (boys especially) interested in historical fiction.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 2 out of 5]

We finally finished this book. We didn't learn much about the Pony Express which was why we chose to read this book. We also didn't learn a whole lot about race in the west in the 1850s. We didn't learn too much about mixed race problems in that time either. It tried to address all of these issues and just kind of missed on all of them from lack of focus. There was some good description of the place and of riding horses but it took us longer to read than is should have because we weren't totally drawn in. Perhaps it would have been better as a read to yourself rather than read aloud.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our Time Journal class we have been studying about the settling of the Western Frontier. This was a book I found at a book fair. I really enjoyed reading about the early pony express. It was a very good story (especially for horse lovers). I enjoyed the book and the majority of the class liked the book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction. Can't beat the Pony Express and it's interesting to read about how mixed race kids were treated back then. [return][return]Twelve-year-old Colton, son of an African-American mother and a white father, takes a job with the Pony Express in 1860 after his father abandons the family on their California-bound wagon train, and risks his life to deliver an important letter that may affect the growing conflict between the North and South.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, good story and writing, but probably found it far more captivating since the references are to place in NV and the surrounding area where we just moved - like Genoa, and Carson City, where I go daily. I have the tough terrain just outside my window to help me see the story better and make the places more alive. Made me want to learn more about the pony express route - and miss horseback riding.

[Kymberlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a clever portrayal of the Pony Express and trail rides out West. It even addresses racism and slavery. When Colton's dad runs off, it is up to him to take care of his mother and two younger sisters. So, he becomes a Pony Express rider at age 12. I only have it three out of five stars because it felt really long. It covered a really long time period, and it took too long to get to the climax and theme of the book.

[Jared Mattson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first time I have read a historical fiction book. I thought I wouldn't like it at all and would find it boring but I actually quite liked it. This book took place during the pony express, so it's pretty cool of what happens and how people had to live and go through. If you haven't ever read a historical fiction book you should start with this book. It was interesting through the whole book and I liked it.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Begins great and then starts to drag. It should've had a better title. It also would have been nice if all of the questions put forward in the first chapter had been answered. There were also some continuity problems (and if there weren't, there felt like there were!) I have no idea if there is a sequel but I'm not interested enough to care if there is.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was on the Mark Twain Book Award list for Missouri and I was really excited to read it. It is a longish chapter book and seems to be the same reading over and over. I wish some of the very interesting secondary characters had been better developed and it just seemed to end because the author didn't want to top 300 pages. I was kind of disappointed in this one.