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Based on a True Story
Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider
What would you do if your country was counting on you to deliver a message? That's sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington’s urgent mission.
In 1777, Sybil and her family believe the American colonies should be free from British control. Sybil’s father leads a regiment of New York militiamen, and everyone in the family is dedicated to the Patriot cause. Using spy tactics and codes, the Ludingtons gather intelligence, hoping to stay one step ahead of their enemies. When British troops raid nearby Danbury, Connecticut, Sybil gallops through the night to call out her father's men. But the journey is dangerous for a girl who’s all alone. With obstacles at every turn, will she make it in time to stop the British?
Based on a True Story books by E.F. Abbott are exciting historical fiction about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History.
In 1777, Sybil and her family believe the American colonies should be free from British control. Sybil’s father leads a regiment of New York militiamen, and everyone in the family is dedicated to the Patriot cause. Using spy tactics and codes, the Ludingtons gather intelligence, hoping to stay one step ahead of their enemies. When British troops raid nearby Danbury, Connecticut, Sybil gallops through the night to call out her father's men. But the journey is dangerous for a girl who’s all alone. With obstacles at every turn, will she make it in time to stop the British?
Based on a True Story books by E.F. Abbott are exciting historical fiction about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
10 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
E.F. Abbott
4 books22 followersE.F. Abbott is a pseudonym used by multiple authors: Susan Hill, Jane Kelley, Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, and Karen Romano Young.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 17, 2016
Awesome book. There are far too few books about female real life heroes, let alone young adult heroes. Yet, here is one that is both.
Our heroine, Sybil, is strong and courageous, yet full of insecurities about what she is doing, aware that an unaccompanied girl at night is in great peril, even without the fact that many in her community might consider her actions traitorous. Still, she perseveres, knowing that her father and General Washington, as well as hundreds of volunteers are relying upon her to pass along the message that the battle is nearly here.
Our heroine, Sybil, is strong and courageous, yet full of insecurities about what she is doing, aware that an unaccompanied girl at night is in great peril, even without the fact that many in her community might consider her actions traitorous. Still, she perseveres, knowing that her father and General Washington, as well as hundreds of volunteers are relying upon her to pass along the message that the battle is nearly here.
March 15, 2016
I really loved the other book in this series that I read, but the editing in this book feels really choppy and all over the place. I, as an adult, found it hard to follow at times. The story is compelling and one I'm glad to know, but I just wished it focused more on the girl without trying to cram in too many historical plot points that just muddied the story.
June 30, 2016
2.5 stars -- good subject but somewhat clunky writing.
February 15, 2016
Well written for younger readers. It tells the heroic story of Sybil who rode, at the young age of 16, to help the colonists against the British. This is a true story.
March 28, 2017
Some parts were dry and the writing was sometimes awkward. I'm not sure it would keep the interest of children. However, I did love reading about the facts. I hadn't known much about Sybil before.
March 16, 2021
The story of Sybil Ludington's ride to muster her father's patriot regiment is a fascinating one, and one that deserves retelling. Sadly, I don't know if there's enough to it to fill an entire book, and definitely not this book.
The book starts with a fairly good introduction of the Ludington family and some background of what was happening in America in the early years of the Revolutionary War. After this, there's some (fictional) interaction between characters as they wait for a British attack, and it all feels like padding. Nothing of significance happens, people are emotional, but it doesn't feel authentic or risky. There are lots of romantic subplots intertwined; I found these boring, maybe some readers would like them, but frustratingly none of them ever have any relevance to the plot. When Sybil actually begins her critical ride, her little sister tags along for the first part, laying her heart bare about her huge love for a local boy... and all I could think was, "NOW? You're telling me this NOW? It was already pretty clear, and certainly could have been told any time before or after. And thanks for adding your useless weight to this poor horse's back!" It badly detracted from the most pivotal part of the book by having it start with more shoe-horned, pointless romance. Ultimately, the ride was the high point of the book, but it wasn't that exciting. I don't know if it was a failing of the writer, or the fact that I didn't care that much about the characters, it just didn't move me that much.
A rich story is hobbled by bland writing and hand-wringing about tepid characters. If you want to know about Sybil Ludington, you're probably better off reading the Wikipedia entry.
The book starts with a fairly good introduction of the Ludington family and some background of what was happening in America in the early years of the Revolutionary War. After this, there's some (fictional) interaction between characters as they wait for a British attack, and it all feels like padding. Nothing of significance happens, people are emotional, but it doesn't feel authentic or risky. There are lots of romantic subplots intertwined; I found these boring, maybe some readers would like them, but frustratingly none of them ever have any relevance to the plot. When Sybil actually begins her critical ride, her little sister tags along for the first part, laying her heart bare about her huge love for a local boy... and all I could think was, "NOW? You're telling me this NOW? It was already pretty clear, and certainly could have been told any time before or after. And thanks for adding your useless weight to this poor horse's back!" It badly detracted from the most pivotal part of the book by having it start with more shoe-horned, pointless romance. Ultimately, the ride was the high point of the book, but it wasn't that exciting. I don't know if it was a failing of the writer, or the fact that I didn't care that much about the characters, it just didn't move me that much.
A rich story is hobbled by bland writing and hand-wringing about tepid characters. If you want to know about Sybil Ludington, you're probably better off reading the Wikipedia entry.
June 12, 2017
In this book, part of a series about kids that were brave through hard times in this country, Sybil Ludington, the daughter of a Colonel in the Continental Army, figures out by spying that the British are going to burn down Danbury, a town in Connecticut. She has to get on her horse and warn Patriots about the burning so that the military can get involved. Along the way, she must face the grave dangers known to many as Loyalists.
Personally, I would give this book 3 stars. It had a good plot and all, but you could see some stuff that set it apart from other books in a bad way. The major issue was that the subject matter didn’t catch me. As a fan of modern warfare, this book about an old war doesn’t catch me like a book on WWII. The other thing was the lack of gripping action. Sure, it had some action, but it didn’t exactly grip me like a Mission: Impossible scene. But otherwise, it was a pretty good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Revolutionary War stuff and/or female heroism. This book is good if you like any of those. It is now available at local bookstores, so grab your copy today!
Scott W., Age 12, Central South Carolina Mensa
Personally, I would give this book 3 stars. It had a good plot and all, but you could see some stuff that set it apart from other books in a bad way. The major issue was that the subject matter didn’t catch me. As a fan of modern warfare, this book about an old war doesn’t catch me like a book on WWII. The other thing was the lack of gripping action. Sure, it had some action, but it didn’t exactly grip me like a Mission: Impossible scene. But otherwise, it was a pretty good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Revolutionary War stuff and/or female heroism. This book is good if you like any of those. It is now available at local bookstores, so grab your copy today!
Scott W., Age 12, Central South Carolina Mensa
January 31, 2019
Title: Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider
Author: E.F. Abbot
Pages: 185
Lexile level: 490
Recommendations & Comments:
___4 out of 5 stars
Recommendations: In 1777, Sybil Ludington, the daughter of a Colonel in the Continental Army, rides her horse though the night to gather her father’s militia and bring word to the Patriots that the British plan to burn the town of Danbury. On the ride, she faces the constant danger of Loyalists – people who side with the British and will turn her over in a heartbeat. Though Sybil Ludington is a real historical figure, Abbott’s books is ‘based on true story,” meaning there is a degree of embellishment to the story. Regardless, maps and illustrations supplement the story, adding detail and historical information pertinent to the Revolutionary War.
Reviewed By: Roger Burns
Author: E.F. Abbot
Pages: 185
Lexile level: 490
Recommendations & Comments:
___4 out of 5 stars
Recommendations: In 1777, Sybil Ludington, the daughter of a Colonel in the Continental Army, rides her horse though the night to gather her father’s militia and bring word to the Patriots that the British plan to burn the town of Danbury. On the ride, she faces the constant danger of Loyalists – people who side with the British and will turn her over in a heartbeat. Though Sybil Ludington is a real historical figure, Abbott’s books is ‘based on true story,” meaning there is a degree of embellishment to the story. Regardless, maps and illustrations supplement the story, adding detail and historical information pertinent to the Revolutionary War.
Reviewed By: Roger Burns
February 11, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. I was excited about the plot and truly appreciate that it is based on a true story. As much as I wanted to love it, I struggled with the author's writing style. The sentences were clunky making it difficult to read out loud. I found myself having to stop and reread sentences multiple times over just to make them make sense. I had high hopes but overall it was a disappointing read. We were all over it by the time we finished. Which is a bummer because the story line itself was great and the history attached to it is worth reading and knowing. Poor delivery though.
August 28, 2017
This is a great book for young readers. It puts you right in the middle of a family who are patriots...from the oldest to the youngest (if you don't include the baby). For girls, it shows what an important role girls and women played in our struggle for freedom. Sybil and her family were real. We often think about the battles, but so much was done behind the battle scenes. It is individuals and families like the Ludingtons that make this country great.
July 16, 2025
As much as I love the period of history the book takes place during, the book itself did not interest me as much as I had hoped it would, probably because of the clunky plot and writing style. It felt like there was barely any actual plot until the end. It was still overall a fairly enjoyable read, but the most appropriate phrase I can use to describe this book is, "good, but definitely not great." Out of a score of 10, the weird writing brought it down to a 7.5.
April 17, 2025
I love the topic of Sybil Ludington and absolutely wish there were more books about her. However, I thought the writing with this book wasn’t very good and it seemed to jump around to the point where I struggled to follow the plot. I did enjoy the book enough, but if you can find a different book on Sybil Ludington, I might suggest reading that instead.
December 22, 2016
This was probably my favorite story in the set. Sybil is just a little spitfire and you can really feel her emotions as you're reading the book. It was great to give voice to her entire family and some of the friends and neighbors as well. I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars.
May 19, 2018
This is an interesting fictionalized account of the true story of a young girl, Sybil Ludington, who road all night to rouse the militia to fight the British at the Battle of Ridgefield during the American Revolution.
March 13, 2025
A well-written and captivating account of not only Sybil's famous ride, but her connections with the divided community during the war and her family's dynamic: how the parents likely involved their children in patriot activities including gathering information and espionage techniques.
July 14, 2017
This is a great empowering book for girls.
May 31, 2021
Interesting story. I thought the writing was awkward.
March 27, 2022
Fantastic story about Sybil and her family during the Revolutionary War.
December 2, 2022
It was a cute story and I loved that it was based on real events, but some of the plot points seemed really unrealistic.
March 12, 2017
The story itself would have been better without the illustrations, which I found distracting and, in many cases, not even relevant to the story.
November 27, 2016
Abbott, EF (Karen Young) Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider (Based on a True Stories Series), 180 pages. Macmillion , 2016. $15.99. Content: Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG Violence: G
Sixteen year old Sybil Luddington and her family are colonists in the American colonies. Many of the colonists want to rebel against British control, and Sybils family is a part of that, putting them in danger. When the alarm is called, Sybil has to step up to help her family and her country.
Unlike the rest of the series, this book sort of just jumped right into some heavy politics and plot with little explanation. I was confused for the first quarter of the book and I think it would off putting enough for elementary readers to set this book aside, but middle schoolers might persist. There was a possible attack from a man at night, which sort of borders the line of inappropriate for elementary. My least favorite in the series. This series is actually written each by different authors, after reading I noticed this was an author whose style I have disliked in the past, which makes sense. The rest of the series is great!
EL, MS – NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Sixteen year old Sybil Luddington and her family are colonists in the American colonies. Many of the colonists want to rebel against British control, and Sybils family is a part of that, putting them in danger. When the alarm is called, Sybil has to step up to help her family and her country.
Unlike the rest of the series, this book sort of just jumped right into some heavy politics and plot with little explanation. I was confused for the first quarter of the book and I think it would off putting enough for elementary readers to set this book aside, but middle schoolers might persist. There was a possible attack from a man at night, which sort of borders the line of inappropriate for elementary. My least favorite in the series. This series is actually written each by different authors, after reading I noticed this was an author whose style I have disliked in the past, which makes sense. The rest of the series is great!
EL, MS – NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
May 4, 2016
Although the narrative seems a bit choppy in parts, I am delighted to have this fictionalized version of the daring feats of a sixteen-year-old available. Sybil Ludington, the daughter of a colonel in the Patriot militia, puts her life at risk by galloping forty miles through the countryside to alert the men to the British raid on Danbury, Connecticut. There's quite a lot going on in the book in addition to her brave actions, including an escaped slave, spies, and a kind-hearted Quaker who offers help when it's needed. Sybil's bravery is unquestionable as is her family's dedication to the cause of liberty. The problem I had with the book was the secondary characters who drifted in and out of scenes so quickly that I barely knew much about them. Still, despite its imperfections, this account goes a long way toward putting women back into the history of this nation. Young readers are sure to be impressed with Sybil's determination while feeling sorry for her disappointments in life. I liked the idea that these efforts were a part of "family business" (p. 180).
May 6, 2024
Apparently, there were a few girls riding around doing cool things during the American Revolution; Sybil Ludington was one of them. I've just become aware of her story. There's a Quaker character in the book so that was also of interest. This book had some good insights into daily life at the time as well as the War. One note: I would have swapped out some of the historical pics with more of the lovely woodcuts that could be pics of the various characters. I think that would have been more helpful for younger readers.
April 5, 2023
I'm abandoning this one. It's not well written. I was previewing it for my students as a potential book to add to our historical fiction unit. I don't even want to continue it so I won't be adding it.
October 19, 2020
A fun read with my boys as my oldest is studying the Revolutionary time period in a class right now.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews