Horseback on the Boston Post Road, 1704

This is the fourth of the American Sisters series by Laurie Lawlor that I have read, and it is probably the best. For children's literature, children being the audience for which it is written, it is quite adequate. It is a book that both middle school boys and girls could find interesting and readable. The language usage of the early 1700's adds depth to the book in an uncomplicated fashion. As an adult reader, I found the book sadly lacking in descriptive and figurative language. Conversation seems "forced" at times. The ending of the book is quite contrived, but for one who likes "happy endings", I found that to my liking. The ending, though contrived, is still a bit of a surprise as I expected the children to be reunited with at least one parent. That is not what happens! Actually, the ending has a bit of the modern day "tale of woe" of the single mom but with a twist. I recommend the book for middle schoolers though parts might require a little "explaining".

Twelve-year-old twins Hester and Philena, indentured servants to Madame Sarah Kemble Knight in her Boston home, have no memory of their parents. Yet their predictable life, the only one they know, is about to change. Madame Knight receives a letter summoning her to New Haven. She decides to bring her fifteen-year-old daughter, Polly, along, as well as Hester. But a devastated Philena is forced to stay behind, to care for Madame Knight's mother, Goodwife Kemble. However, Goodwife Kemble sends Philena and the family's Indian slave, Cato, after Madame Knight, to give her something she forgot to bring along. Before the two can catch up to the travelers, Cato runs away to freedom, abandoning Philena in the wilderness. She must travel on, completely on her own. Even when she finally catches up to Madame Knight, Polly, and Hester, things don't get much easier. The four travelers face every danger imaginable on the difficult journey by horseback along the Boston Post Road, but Hester and Philena discover things about themselves and each other that they never knew, and find their own hidden strength and courage. I highly reccomend this book, and the entire series, to girls who enjoy historical fiction.