After Gabriel wins at the Saratoga horse races, his dreams of becoming a famous jockey seem closer than ever. The Civil War rages on, though, and Gabriel feels compelled to join his parents in the Union army. "Ma and Pa say I'm too young to be a soldier. . . . But that don't mean I can't fight for freedom my own way." Gabriel puts aside his racing aspirations to join his father's cavalry unit. Courageous though he may be, is Gabriel ready to face the dangers of war?
Title alpha Gabriel’s Journey: Racing to Freedom Trilogy, Book Three
Category Sports Middle Plus
Pages Count 160
Summary Despite his success as a professional jockey, Gabriel misses his parents and is anxious to help the Union cause. With Mister Giles’s approval, Gabriel travels to Camp Nelson, where his father, a Union sergeant, is training mounts and men for a colored cavalry, and his mother is a washerwoman. Gabriel’s friend, Annabelle, follows him and takes up teaching at a school for black soldiers and their families, believing that education, not violence, will result in freedom. Although Gabriel is only a stable boy, his natural ability with horses soon attracts attention, and he becomes an honorary member of Company B. When the troops, including Pa and his squad, are called into action, Gabriel follows them into battle and learns much about cowardice and courage, the horrors and injustices of war, and the fact that there is more than one way to fight for freedom.
Curriculum areas: Language arts. Social studies. American history.
Topics Horses. Racing. Slavery. Freedmen. The Civil War. The Union army. African American soldiers. Segregation in the military. Families. Fathers and sons. Responsibility. Making difficult choices. Fighting for freedom. Leaving home. Journeys. Racism and prejudice. Friendship. Pride. The power of education. Being treated unfairly. Winning respect. Proving yourself. Camaraderie. Anticipating battle. Risking your life to help others. Facing fears. Courage. Heroism. The horrors of war. Grief. Identity/self-perception. Looking forward. Hope. New beginnings.
SRC Level 4.700000
SRC Points 14.000000
Lexile 780L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Language English
JLG Release Date Jul 2008
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Sports Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Sports Middle Plus
Sports Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
From biographies of legendary athletes to fiction featuring thrilling game-day moments, this 14-book collection keeps sports fans entertained all year long. A great choice for both avid and reluctant readers.