The Longest Ride

by Denise Lewis Patrick

At fifteen, Midnight Son has already lived quite a courageous life. He has escaped bounty hunters intent on returning him to slavery and has survived a fierce tornado. It seems no challenge is insurmountable for this young cowboy. But when Midnight Son comes upon a vulnerable Indian village during the journey to find his separated family, he knows he must delay his search in order to help his new friends get safely through the final days of the Civil War. In this companion to The Adventures of Midnight Son , Denise Lewis Patrick tells a powerful coming-of-age story about a young man who discovers the true meaning of responsibility, bravery, and honor in the face of adversity.

Genres: Historical Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 1999

Reviews

[Brady Ho25659 · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, The Longest Ride, written by Denise Patrick, an escaped slave called Midnight Son goes on a quest to find his enslaved family. On the way, he is captured by Indians in a fierce snow storm and is taught their ways. After moving away, Midnight Son finds himself heading down to Texas in order to find his family on a plantation. The story of this book is a great idea, however, I felt like the author, Denise Patrick did not pay enough attention to detail of the time period. I found myself wondering why Indian tribes were in certain parts of white territory. Aside from that, I felt that the story of an escaped slave rescuing his enslaved family is a very good plot. I would recommend this book as a quick read to anyone looking for a book to sit down and be entertained by. The Longest Ride was an easy read and kept my attention throughout the book. I am not going to be reading anymore of this author's work, because I do not favor her writing style.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gr 5-7 164 pgs


post Civil War, West / South. Since escaping slavery two years ago, 15 year old Midnight Son has never given up hope of seeing his family again. Having decided the time is right to rescue his family, Midnight Son heads for the Texas plantation where his family is. When an Arapaho village is attacked, Midnight Son promises Raven Woman, an escaped slave, to help Winter Mary and Eagle Eye find Raven Woman's sister.

Great follow up to Patrick's "The Adventures of Midnight Son". I think this would appeal to boy readers.

[Al Stoess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good kids book. Heartwarming Stuff

[Tiundra]

Western stories, juvenile fiction, African Americans, Cowboys