Publishers Weekly
A folk heroine from the Revolutionary War, crimson cape swirling behind her, races across the pages of this thrilling historical tale. The year is 1775, and teenage Betsy Dowdy secretly sets off on an all-night horseback journey to alert colonial militia to the British advance upon her North Carolina island home. Most spreads depict Betsy atop her horse, Bess, dashing through dark marshlands or dense forests. Swirls of deep royal and swaths of magenta evoke the eerie nighttime setting ("Through the trees Betsy saw moonlight reflect off a pair of staring eyes. She gripped the hilt of her knife. Was it a bear?"). Griffin's (The Foot-Stomping Adventures of Clementine Sweets) direct yet descriptive narrative recounts the calamities that befall Betsy, while the characters' cartoon styling lessens the tension. Priceman's (How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.) trademark free-flowing lines speed the story's momentum, with winding ribbons of color pulling Betsy--and readers--along a treacherous path. Author notes remind that this is only a legend, but on these pages, the perilous ride and courageous girl who undertook it feel very real. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
School Library Journal
Gr 1–4—"She couldn't stop King George. She couldn't fight as a soldier. But she could ride." That refrain echoes throughout this gripping tale of a girl's courageous effort to alert Colonial troops to an impending attack on the barrier island of Currituck, NC. Although there is no proof that Betsy Dowdy really existed, her story is part of a long oral tradition, and whether truth or legend, it is inspirational. Upon hearing that Lord Dunmore's Redcoats are on their way, most likely to commandeer their supplies and the ponies her father keeps, Betsy determines to get word to General Skinner 50 miles away. Dressed in breeches, she mounts her beloved pony, Bess, and undertakes the long and hazardous journey to Skinner's camp, braving freezing water, packs of dogs, and the possibility of highwaymen along the way. Griffin's writing is nicely paced, galloping along much as Bess does. Priceman's signature swirling backgrounds and slightly off-kilter perspectives also help maintain the dramatic tension. This riveting read-aloud captures the spirit and determination of that journey to liberty fought so long ago.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
MARCH 2011 - AudioFile
In December 1775, on the barrier island of Currituck, North Carolina, 16-year-old Betsy Dowdy bemoans her inability to contribute to the Colonial quest for freedom from King George’s rule. One fifty-mile ride later, as the legend goes, Betsy proves her worth by delivering an important message to General Skinner as he prepares to rally his troops to repel the Redcoats at Great Bridge. Charlotte Parry’s narration underscores Betsy’s many moods: her despondency at not being able to go to battle as a soldier as well as her determination to undertake the dangerous journey with her pony, Bess. Late in the night in the midst of the journey Parry portrays Betsy’s self-doubt and, later, believably delivers the teenager’s pride at having carried out her mission. Parry’s gentle British accent adds authenticity to the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
It's 1775 and the people of North Carolina want freedom from England's rule, but "[w]hen sixteen-year-old Betsy Dowdy heard Papa talk about war approaching, she felt as helpless as a ghost crab skittering along the sand." The legendary Betsy of Currituck (her existence has never been proven) isn't helpless, though. She promptly saddles up her pony Bess and rides all night--50 miles over hill and dale--to warn General Skinner's militia about the incoming redcoats. In what may be the most Fauvist depiction of colonial America ever, Priceman's splendidly untamed gouache-and-ink spreads reflect the menacing inevitability of war with fiery oranges and the red-cloaked Betsy's phantasmagorical nighttime ride in deep blues and purples. Perspectives are distorted, buildings topsy-turvy, eyes of human and beast are wild and wide--even the sharp-toothed river fish look agitated, as in a crazy nightmare. The muddled story--more odd, atmospheric drama than history lesson--may just end up unsettling readers, though, despite the trumpeting clarity of its made-for-radio-voice refrain: "She couldn't fight as a soldier. But she could ride." (stylized map, author's note)(Picture book. 6-8)
