Ride Like the Wind: A Tale of the Pony Express

by Bernie Fuchs

Award-winning artist Bernie Fuchs creates an exciting adventure about an orphan boy and his beloved horse as they ride the Pony Express.

Known for their courage, self confidence, speed, and willingness to face adversity, the riders of the Pony Express quickly became legendary heroes in their time. Now dramatic oil paintings by award winner Bernie Fuchs capture the spirit, strength, and stamina of one young rider, Johnny Free, as he and his beloved pony, JennySoo, set off at top speed. After racing with his Paiute friend, Little Grey Wolf, Johnny goes on to face unexpected danger--and only JennySoo can save his life.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Horses

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

Bernie Fuchs was an American illustrator known for advertising art, magazine illustration and portraiture, including for a series of U.S. postage stamps.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional tale based on stories shared from the adventures of the riders of the pony express. The struggles, against the elements and the encroachment upon Paiute tribe of the Nevada desert in 1860. This story is just one of many that may have occurred along the 2000 mile stretch during the nineteen months that the pony express lasted before the advent of the telegraph wire.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illlustations are stunning with lots of power and motion, the story is bland and I'm not certain about how it represents Native Americans.

[Nanci · Rating 4 out of 5]

School Library Journal says: "K-Gr 4-Although the Pony Express operated for only 18 months, the courage and daring of the young men who made these trips, battling severe weather, treacherous terrain, and hostile Indians, have become legendary. Fuchs has drawn on numerous historical accounts to create a fictionalized story of such a run. Readers follow young Johnny Free and his faithful pony, JennySoo, as they ride "like the wind," are watched by wolves, find their relief station burned to the ground, and are eventually attacked by hostile Paiutes. In a minor stretch of credulity, JennySoo returns to rescue her wounded master. The nicely paced, tightly written text captures the excitement and drama of the situation. The full-page, textured paintings carry the action forward, while their misty quality suggests a time gone by. An opening storyteller's note provides necessary background and an informative afterword provides more details about the Pony Express. This is a good introduction to the subject for youngsters not quite ready for Steven Kroll's longer and strictly factual Pony Express!"

lovely illustrations, very evocative

[Hayley Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of the most beautiful illustrations I've ever seen in a children's picture book. The watercolors are so rich and vibrant, with just the right amount of realism to capture the essence of the American Old West. There's also a nice multi-cultural dimension to the story in the friendship between Johnny Free and Little Grey Wolf, his Paiute friend, that would be good to bring to a classroom setting, particularly when teaching about the Pony Express and the West in general.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptive text and beautiful paintings come together to tell the story of Johnny Free, an orphan rider for the Pony Express. Being a rider for the Pony Express was a very dangerous job. Riders had to face harsh weather conditions, wild animals, and hostile Native Americans. In this story, Johnny has a confrontation with warriors from the Paiute tribe. This story has a lot of drama and suspense as the reader experiences what it's like to have to face such difficult circumstances.

[Claudia Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great horse book for boys, based on the short history of the Pony Express. Beautiful illustrations enhance the story.

[James O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations by one of Greatest Illustrators, Bernie Fuchs.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Great illustrations. Great discussion.