The Little Riders by Margaretha Shemin
This short classic novel set during World War II is an exciting, moving adventure story.
 
"Take care of the little riders," says Johanna's father to the eleven-year-old when he leaves her with his parents for an extended vacation in their Dutch village
 
And Johanna does. She loves the twelve metal figures on horseback who ride forth each hour from the clock on the ancient church tower. She would do anything to protect them, anything. And on night she risks her life to prove it.
 
Set during the Second World War when the German army occupied Holland, The Little Riders is a good fit for young independent readers as well as for reading aloud.