The third book in the engaging ONCE UPON A HORSE series is on the shelves this month . The first two were released last year including THE FLYING HORSE and THE JOCKEY AND HER HORSE.

They each can be read on their own and highlight the special bond horses and their riders share. That bond is never more evident than in THE STAR HORSE with Billy, a Norwegian Fjord Horse and Lori, a shy 7th grader who is Billy’s best friend.

That makes the decision even harder when Lori reluctantly agrees to sell Billy to a kid movie actor and his dad as the star of their new film. Doing so will allow Lori and her mother to keep the horse stables they run. But now Lori is far away from the horse she loves as filming is being done near the Mojave Desert, much too far from the town she lives in near New York City.

The separation is not easy and worsens when Billy is stalked by a mountain lion and runs off into the desert. Lori is heartbroken and sneaks away to buy a bus ticket for a fifty-eight hour ride to find Billy. She has help after meeting another cow girl and Marlowe, the famous boy actor in the film. They each see a new version of themselves as they also get lost in the dessert.

The third person viewpoint is the perfect choice and allows the plot to shift to the various locations. It’s fast moving and certainly a story you won’t soon forget. The incredible connection Lori has with Billy is one horse lovers will understand fully. Billy is in fact based on a real therapeutic riding horse and the author has been promoting the book by visiting dozens of therapeutic riding facilities. What a great connection!

One thing for sure is you will never look at a horse the same way after learning about their unique behavior. THE STAR HORSE deserves a lot of stars.

For more about author and New York Times reporter, Sarah Maslin Nir, be sure to visit her New York Times page

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.