What Is the Story of: the Headless Horseman?

What Is the Story Of?

by Sheila Keenan, Who H.Q., Andrew Thomson (Illustrator)

Discover the haunting story of the Headless Horseman, his chilling adventures in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and his historical backstory in this addition to the What Is the Story Of? series.

Washington Irving published The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 1820, introducing the eerie Headless Horseman character to readers worldwide. Readers were both scared and intrigued by the horrific character, who is the ghost of a soldier who had been decapitated during the American Revolution. Now, the character is an American classic, featured in movies, television shows, cartoons, comic books, and even video games, thanks to his chilling story of a lone horseman seeking revenge. Perfect for Halloween, but an enduring year-round favorite, the Headless Horseman rides forward in this exciting new nonfiction title.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, Childrens, Juvenile

112 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Sheila Keenan is an established author of fiction and nonfiction for young people. Her books include the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Dogs of War, the picture book As the Crow Flies, I Spy The Illuminati Eye, and O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks and Inspiring Words, among other selected titles. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be read by anyone that likes The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, America’s first ghost story. It is partially a biography of Washington Irving. He was very popular and was considered by many to be America’s first author. It also provides the inspiration for the Headless Horseman and the school master, Ichabod Crane. Sleepy Hollow is a cemetery and the bridge crossed by the headless horseman exists there. The cemetery is located in Tarry Town, NY, renamed Sleepy Hollow to attract tourists. Washington Irving is buried in the cemetery next to the Dutch Church.

[Scarlett Machado · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not nearly as interesting as the other ones in this series, and it didn’t really get to the point until very late in the book. It was also very hard to follow.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction

The Headless Horseman is one of my favorite spooky tales!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid informative read about the history surrounding an iconic Halloween story, which I have admittedly never read, but maybe will now! Even if this book kinda gave away most of that story. I don't care, though. I still wanna experience it myself.

I have to say, these "Who HQ" books are still decent reads as an adult. They're short and quick to read, but still full of details and interesting facts. It's almost like they give you just enough information that you feel you've learned something, but still leave the door open for more if you'd like to do further research. But for a subject I only had mild interest in, this was definitely satisfying enough for me. The only other "research" I may do is, as I said, reading the classic story myself. And maybe some of Irving's other works. I just have a lot of appreciation for authors, you know? As someone hoping to become one someday...

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, super-informative book all about the history of the Headless Horseman and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. There is so much to take in, but the book was a quick and easy read, lots of fun, and it really made me want to read the other Washington Irving books that I've neglected thus far. 10/10, would recommend.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the WhoHQ series of non-fiction books geared toward grades 3-5 and for reluctant readers in higher grades, the Headless Horseman entry is perfect for Halloween reading. It provides not only the background behind Washington Irving's classic tale, but also the importance of the author on the development of American literature after the American Revolution and the times in which Irving lived.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was SO MUCH I didn't know about Washington Irving. Keenan's background and focused explanation to give context to the lore of the headless horseman was the perfect lunchtime read for me. Plus, I've been to the cemetery and visited his grave (I'm a taphophile) and there were tidbits that I shared with others including the "knickerbocker" name and how he was the first American to make a living in publishing.

I always enjoy a good Who HQ story when done like this!

[Arman Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story of Sleepy Hollow, I used to watched the show on FOX, Sleepy Hollow and the Adventures of Mr. Ichabod and Mr. Toad when I was 10 and the Halloween episode of Wishbone, thats what got me interested in reading the book. Plus, I have the Penguin Classics book, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Which includes The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Irving's other stories.

[Sylvia "Chivy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always LOVED the story of the Headless Horseman and this did not disappoint.
Reading this book makes me want to take a road trip up to Terrytown NY. near the village of Sleepy Hollow.
A must read .
Happy Reading
Watch your head.

[Ashley Holbert]

I was surprised to know everything I thought happened in the story was in fact not in the story. I had confused other pop culture stories for the real story. Washington Irving created some intricate aliases for himself that's for sure.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book about the background of Washington Irving and some cool background info about the story. I am really familiar with the story of the Headless Horseman but I love that this will make it more accessible to kids who might be interested!

[Susan's Sweat Smells Like Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! Lots of cool information about the story's author, Washington Irving. "The Father of American Literature"? I didn't realize that.
Really enjoyed the deep analysis of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow regarding how quintessentially American it is.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I typically enjoy these books since they have just enough information to be very informative and interesting. However, this one did really have that much interesting information. There were no real fun facts. I honestly don’t think there is enough information to even make a book.

[Diana]

9

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little informative audiobook to put you in the Fall mood ! 🍂🎃

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to creepy stories and a good history lesson!

[Nicole Feli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 SPOOKS! No, not really but the story is very interesting and I liked the background info on the author in the beginning. Suuuuuper interesting guy with 10/10 marketing skills

[Elexndra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library borrow

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting telling of a fictional story.
I really enjoyed the part about the author. Why isn’t the book about him with the story as part of it?

[Emily Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading through some of my classroom library books- a great nonfiction read about one of my favorite tales!

[Kara LaVictoire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of my more favorite stories in this series. I liked learning about Washington Irving. However, the story was hard to follow at times.

[Heather Hedderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such as interesting read - made me want to read other books related to it.
I learned so much even as an adult.
We love this series as a car read aloud!
Great spooky tale for October!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It should be 2.5 stars. I listened to the audio and the narrator was awful. It felt very condescending, which is weird. The book should have been called Who is Washington Irving? However, very few kids would have been interested, I guess.

[Carmen]

Who knew Washington Irving came up with a bunch of things we think of as American? /rhetorical