The compelling story of a wild mustang colt named Sky is set during the Pony Express era.

Sky’s passion is to run but also be free. He loves the land but not what humans are doing to destroy it. So…Sky leaves his family to search for a better place, hopefully full of resources to survive. His plan is to return one day and lead the herd.

Unfortunately for Sky, life by himself is not easy and he’s captured and forced to run with the Pony Express. His sole purpose now is to escape and return to his life of freedom.

The first person narration by Sky follows the same format as Parry’s previous A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD.

Horse lovers will be first in line to check this new book out. I can also see a read aloud as an excellent springboard for a discussion about family, loyalty, and environmental issues.

More than 100 black and white illustrations appear throughout. A HORSE NAMED SKY is a revealing, fast moving story sure to please those who give this one a go.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 29, 2023

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A HORSE NAMED SKY by Rosanne Parry

1. Superb resources can be found in the back pages. A map and extensive information about wild horses and their habitat are included. Great to see wild horses today are often being provided with their own protected habitat.
2. Sky sees humans as strange creatures, even calling their hands “grippers.” His viewpoint is understandable once you get into his way of seeing things. Eye opening from this perspective and one that enriches the reading experience.
3. I can’t think of another middle grade title set in mid 19th century Nevada. It will motivate readers to learn more about this time period.
4. Not all humans are bad as Sky has a touching relationship with an enslaved Paiute boy.
5. The plot comes full circle and leaves readers with a good feeling. Sky is one to root for in his journey to freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosanne Parry grew up in Oregon loving its rainy days, wild places, and many libraries.  She is the author of eight novels for young readers, including the NY Times best sellers A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild which have been translated into more than 14 languages. Her next novel will be A Horse Named Sky–another Voice of the Wilderness book. Look for it August 29th, 2023. Rosanne is a bookseller at legendary independentbookstore, Annie Blooms. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in Portland and writes in a treehouse in her backyard. 

(For more visit Rosanne’s author website)

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