Morgan, Nicola. The Highwayman’s Footsteps. Candlewick Press, 2006. 368 pages. $16.99. ISBN 0763634727
Readers Annotation: After their lives collide while on the run in eighteenth century England, Will and Bess try to right the wrongs done to them while trying to stay out of the hands of the red coats.
Plot Summary: William de Lacy had to run away. His father and brother were the cruelest sort, and made Will’s life intolerable. In hopes of shelter for the night, Will stumbles into an abandoned cottage only to be held at gunpoint. His attacker is none other than Bess, the daughter of a famous highwayman. Even though she threatened his life, Will feels drawn to Bess and uses his own stolen money to buy medicine to heal her wounds. They soon embark on an adventure together, acquiring food, money, and a horse for Will. After coming across a young run away from the militia, Bess and Will vow to help the boy’s mother and sister. The red coats catch up with the trio, and it does not end well. Bess and Will find true friendship in each other, and help each other to deal with the wrongs done to them in their lives.
Critical Evaluation: Although the characters are relatively young, I felt that this book could capture the attention of the older teen with all the action involved. However, by about the fifth chapter I was exhausted with all the questions the main character Will was asking. It felt as though all I was reading were questions. A bit frustrating when the reader wants to find out what is going to happen to the two children living as highwaymen. I wanted to get to the adventure, not dwell on all the uncertainty. Maybe this is a good change from the normal adventure, and forces the reader to wonder about what goes on in the mind of a runaway. I imagine there is much uncertainty. The frustration with Will subsided towards the end when he starts to mature and take responsibility for his life. Bess is an interesting character, and part of the reason I kept reading. I found her interesting, living on her own, already so hardened. I would recommend this to someone who enjoyed books like The Boxcar Children when they were young.
Reading Level: This book would be suit the reading level of a middle school reader, but would hold the interest of an older teen.
Book talk ideas: For this book I think I would read the poem The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes that Morgan adds in the afterword. I would talk about how poetry can be great stories in themselves, as is the case with The Highwayman, and influence longer prose writing as it did with Morgan.
Why it is included: I chose this book for the subject matter and found it interesting that the book was based off a poem. In 2008 it was on a Middle and Junior High School list put out by H.W. Wilson.
Challenge Issues: The drinking of some of the characters, and the two main fourteen-year-old characters entering bars could cause concern among parents. I would argue that ale and wine were the most consumed drinks of the time due to the questionable sanitation of the water supplies.
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