What do you think?
Rate this book
Sybil's Night Ride
On the stormy night of April 26, 1777, young Sybil Ludington rode on her horse spreading the word that the British were coming. They had already set fire to the nearby town of Danbury, Connecticut and the glow of the flames had turned the night sky to fiery red. Sybil rode through the countryside to alert the patriots with the cry of "Muster at Ludington's!"
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2000
52 people want to read
About the author
Karen B. Winnick
15 books218 followersKaren B. Winnick is a children’s author and artist, animal enthusiast, and president of the Los Angeles Zoo Commission. Her previous books include Gemina, the Crooked-Neck Giraffe and Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 8, 2015
Personal Reaction: I liked how this book kept relating back to Sybil's bravery and her perserverence. I think that young children can relate to having to be brave in a tough situation in order to help their family.
Read Aloud: I would read this to students in 2nd and 3rd grade to begin a unit on the revolutionary war. I like that it is about a teenager being the hero because it teaches children that though you may be young or small you can still make a difference in some way even if it is not riding your horse to gather up an army.
Independent Reading: I would recommend this for an independent reading book for students in 2nd and 3rd grade, students that enjoy history and learning of the different wars.
For Narrative: I would use this book to teach theme. This narrative about the true events of Sybil Ludington in the Revolutionary War showcases her bravery in the face of danger. I think the theme is clear throughout the book and would be easy for students to identify.
Read Aloud: I would read this to students in 2nd and 3rd grade to begin a unit on the revolutionary war. I like that it is about a teenager being the hero because it teaches children that though you may be young or small you can still make a difference in some way even if it is not riding your horse to gather up an army.
Independent Reading: I would recommend this for an independent reading book for students in 2nd and 3rd grade, students that enjoy history and learning of the different wars.
For Narrative: I would use this book to teach theme. This narrative about the true events of Sybil Ludington in the Revolutionary War showcases her bravery in the face of danger. I think the theme is clear throughout the book and would be easy for students to identify.
Want to read
July 27, 2021Removed from my wish list when I discovered Sybil's ride is likely a beloved myth like Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyan. There is no proof, no documentation, Sybil took that ride. It's said that genealogy without documentation is mythology. Sybil Ludington is on my family tree, and I was excited to learn more about her accomplishments. Yet, the more I looked, the more I found to question Sybil's ride. Yes, there was a Sybil Ludington. There is ample documentation to back her existence (her father was an American hero). As for the ride, there is nothing solid to be found concerning it. The feat didn't appear in print until about 100 years after; her descendants self-published the account in the 20th century.
If one can view her story as inspirational and not as historical, the book seems well worth the read as reviews are favorable.
If one can view her story as inspirational and not as historical, the book seems well worth the read as reviews are favorable.
October 6, 2017
This is an excellent children's book. She tells the story of Sybil's night ride and highlights her bravery and skill on the horse.
Too few people know the story of Sybil Ludington who, like Paul Revere, rode to gather up local revolutionaries so they could prepare themselves to fight against the encroaching British. The only difference is: she rode twice as far as Paul Revere. In bad weather... and through difficult terrain, and... she was only 14 years old.
The story is told well, and it ends with a visit with Sybil from George Washington. The only thing I wonder about is the art work. It has its own style, I suppose, but the people often look a bit warped. It is neat to see the details in the clothing from colonial America, though.
Too few people know the story of Sybil Ludington who, like Paul Revere, rode to gather up local revolutionaries so they could prepare themselves to fight against the encroaching British. The only difference is: she rode twice as far as Paul Revere. In bad weather... and through difficult terrain, and... she was only 14 years old.
The story is told well, and it ends with a visit with Sybil from George Washington. The only thing I wonder about is the art work. It has its own style, I suppose, but the people often look a bit warped. It is neat to see the details in the clothing from colonial America, though.
October 2, 2018
Summary: Sybil Ludington is was a teen heroin. She warned the city of the British comings after her dad was weary of letting her. She showed courage and perseverance as she endured multiple road blocks on her "night ride," but ultimately completed her mission.
Reflection: I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had no idea of this individual, but after I read this book I admire this woman! She is a woman that young girls should look up to for her bravery and courage.
Implementation: My students had to research this hero for their five paragraph essay. One young girl dressed up as Sybil, and recited a speech as if she was her!
Reflection: I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had no idea of this individual, but after I read this book I admire this woman! She is a woman that young girls should look up to for her bravery and courage.
Implementation: My students had to research this hero for their five paragraph essay. One young girl dressed up as Sybil, and recited a speech as if she was her!
April 11, 2019
Another Mighty Girl biography...of a young woman who did a Paul-Revere-like ride during the Revolutionary War...in the cold rain. It's more than time that these women's stories be added to history. The liner notes tell us the author actually followed Sybil's ride through Putnam County...which certainly helps her add the atmosphere to her paintings.
May 18, 2016
Listen children, and you will hear
The midnight ride of... Sybil Luddington?
Do not leave the revolutionary war until your class has experienced this book! Here in New Hampshire, we talk about Paul Revere's ride to Portsmouth and how a mob fueled by beer took part in the first armed engagement with the British at the garrison of Fort William and Mary in 1774.
Just like Barry can pick out the exact flavor of Ben and Jerry's to follow a meal (movie reference: "City Slickers"), I can tell you with experience that this is the exact book to read after you partake of Krensky's Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. This order is best: first read Krensky's book, a solid and interesting account with complementary illustrations of a well known historical figure who's name rhymes with "hear," second read Winnick's riveting tale -- ride along with Sybil and her horse Star as they face danger and the elements to become heroes of the American Revolution - and yes, even George Washington himself makes an appearance (not telling how, that would be a spoiler). Vegetables and meat first, then dessert.
Buy a copy to keep on hand for a birthday present to that special a little girl - and then another for your local school or town library. This book is a keeper and makes us wonder who else served our country that we seldom hear about...
The midnight ride of... Sybil Luddington?
Do not leave the revolutionary war until your class has experienced this book! Here in New Hampshire, we talk about Paul Revere's ride to Portsmouth and how a mob fueled by beer took part in the first armed engagement with the British at the garrison of Fort William and Mary in 1774.
Just like Barry can pick out the exact flavor of Ben and Jerry's to follow a meal (movie reference: "City Slickers"), I can tell you with experience that this is the exact book to read after you partake of Krensky's Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. This order is best: first read Krensky's book, a solid and interesting account with complementary illustrations of a well known historical figure who's name rhymes with "hear," second read Winnick's riveting tale -- ride along with Sybil and her horse Star as they face danger and the elements to become heroes of the American Revolution - and yes, even George Washington himself makes an appearance (not telling how, that would be a spoiler). Vegetables and meat first, then dessert.
Buy a copy to keep on hand for a birthday present to that special a little girl - and then another for your local school or town library. This book is a keeper and makes us wonder who else served our country that we seldom hear about...
May 5, 2015
Personal Reaction - I really enjoyed this book because the illustrations were very well done and helped move the story along. It is also about the Revolutionary War, which is one of many social studies topics I am interested in learning more about. I had never heard of Sybil Ludington before I picked up this book.
Purpose/Use in the Classroom:
Read Aloud to make a curricular connection:
-Introductory book for a social studies unit on the Revolutionary War
-A good book for students to pick up and learn about something educational while doing a biography unit. Therefore they can read about someone from a historical event important to America.
Independent Reading:
-Students age 5-7 to get introduced to topics early on the Revolutionary War.
-Students who may be interested in learning more about history, specifically the evolutionary war.
For nonfiction:
-There are good illustrations but not a lot of nonfiction conventions
Purpose/Use in the Classroom:
Read Aloud to make a curricular connection:
-Introductory book for a social studies unit on the Revolutionary War
-A good book for students to pick up and learn about something educational while doing a biography unit. Therefore they can read about someone from a historical event important to America.
Independent Reading:
-Students age 5-7 to get introduced to topics early on the Revolutionary War.
-Students who may be interested in learning more about history, specifically the evolutionary war.
For nonfiction:
-There are good illustrations but not a lot of nonfiction conventions
December 1, 2008
grades 1-4
tansitional/fluent
independent/guided reading
non-ficition/historical/revolutionary war
gender/war/civil rights
strong female hero/text&illustration interaction
author researched and followed Sybil's path
brave and determined young girl rides to inform the patriots the british are burning danbury and to gather at ludingtons. Father trusted her ability even though he thought it was too dangerous of a task.
tansitional/fluent
independent/guided reading
non-ficition/historical/revolutionary war
gender/war/civil rights
strong female hero/text&illustration interaction
author researched and followed Sybil's path
brave and determined young girl rides to inform the patriots the british are burning danbury and to gather at ludingtons. Father trusted her ability even though he thought it was too dangerous of a task.
June 19, 2012
A great read aloud in a classroom that teaches the American Revolution. The text is rich with sensory details allowing many opportunities for visualizations.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews