The Golden Horseshoe

by Elizabeth Coatsworth

Tamar is a half English and half Indian girl who accompanies her father and brother while disguised as the Indian Raccoon on an expedition to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains in colonial Virginia.

153 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1935

About the author

Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth was best known as the author of Away Goes Sally, The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which won the 1931 Newbery Medal, and the four Incredible Tales, but in fact she wrote more than 90 books for children. She was extremely interested in the world around her, particularly the people of Maine, as well as the houses and the surrounding land. She also loved the history and myths of her favorite places, those near her home and those encountered on her countless travels.

Coatsworth graduated from Vassar College in 1915 and received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1916. In 1929, she married writer Henry Beston, with whom she had two children. When she was in her thirties, her first books of adult poetry were published. For over fifty years, she continued to write and publish poetry in collections and to weave poems between the chapters of her books of fiction.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book to parse. On the one hand, the story of a half Native American, half white girl who passes as an Indian boy is thrilling and empowering. On the other, there is the chorus of happy slaves singing and serving their masters - ugh. Smack in the middle is a Quaker weaver who secretly frees an imprisoned slave. Coatsworth is an excellent writer and story teller who sees a bit further than most did on the subject of slavery, but she still represents the attitudes of her day. Not one of Lawson's best, either - yet I loved the story of a brave young girl who is loyal to both of her heritages.

[Laura Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's annoying that the "simple happy slaves" theme is in this book 😑. It would otherwise be 5 stars for me.

"Her father always said that well-treated servants would not run away. Why should they? --though he admitted there were certain tribes among the Africans who were accustomed to be rulers in the own country and so took to slavery even less willingly than the others. 'But treat a negro with justice and understanding and you'll have no trouble,' her father said."

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book when I was a kid. As I recall, the trek is based on a historical event, even though some of the characters are fictional.