Fiction

The Horse in Harry's Room (Level 1)

Harry keeps a horse in his room. A trusty horse only he can see. But then his parents take him to the country to see "real" horses. Horses that are free to run, kick, and nibble. Now Harry must decide: Does his horse need to be free, too?

The Black Stallion

First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.

Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island #6: Sea Shadow (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island)

When an earthquake sets off a tsunami on the shores of Wild Horse Island, the mustangs of Crimson Vale are chased by the waves and left stranded on a dangerous hilltop.

Darby knows the lead mare, Medusa, will do anything to save her herd—but will she let the ranch hands bring her to safety? Or is it up to Darby to save Medusa and her band—before they're lost forever?

Misty of Chincoteague

On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her--that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can't live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next "Pony Penning Day" does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal colt Misty is another story altogether.

Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature. Wesley Dennis's pen-and-ink ponies are masterfully depicted with rippling muscles, shaggy coats, and free spirits. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom.

Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her, and worked hard to earn the money that she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them....

Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both?

Riding Freedom

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses (Sandpiper Books)

Fritz, a pony excluded from the group of beautiful horses within the walled city, becomes a hero when he rescues the children of the city.

A Summer To Remember (Heartland)

After her sophomore year at college, Amy receives an urgent request to help a troubled horse. She is whisked off to the Hamptons to meet Alfredo Escobar, whose Argentinean family is renowned for their involvement in exclusive polo circuits. The Escobars expect nothing but the best - from both their ponies and their riders. But Alfredo's pony, Impala, has been giving him problems. If Alfredo can't learn to work with her they may both be in for trouble. It's up to Amy to find the key to mending this relationship and to help Alfredo meet his family's tremendous expectations.

Black Beauty

A horse is a horse of course unless of course the horse is Black Beauty. Animal-loving children have been devoted to Black Beauty throughout this century, and no doubt will continue through the next. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of turn-of-the-century London, its message is universal and timeless: animals will serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

Black Beauty tells the story of the horse's own long and varied life, from a well-born colt in a pleasant meadow to an elegant carriage horse for a gentleman to a painfully overworked cab horse. Throughout, Sewell rails--in a gentle, 19th-century way--against animal maltreatment. Young readers will follow Black Beauty's fortunes, good and bad, with gentle masters as well as cruel. Children can easily make the leap from horse-human relationships to human-human relationships, and begin to understand how their own consideration of others may be a benefit to all. (Ages 9 to 12)

As a young horse, Black Beauty is well-loved and happy. But when his owner is forced to sell him, his life changes drastically. He has many new owners--some of them cruel and some of them kind. All he needs is someone to love him again...Whether pulling an elegant carriage or a ramshackle cab, Black Beauty tries to live as best he can. This is his amazing story, told as only he could tell it.

A happy colt from a loving home falls on hard times when his owners are forced to sell him.

Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island #5: Fire Maiden (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island)

Darby is excited to go on a "volcano watch," camping out and observing the island's volcanoes, despite recent small earthquakes that could mean an eruption is coming. After all, Darby grew up in California, so she's used to the earth rumbling now and then. Plus, the expedition is perfect for working with Hoku, helping the young mustang learn to handle any situation.

But when the volcanoes do erupt, it's much scarier than Darby anticipated, and a stream of lava leaves Darby and Hoku stranded. Can Darby's horse-charming skills keep the mustang calm? Or will her filly run back to the wild?

Paint The Wind

Maya is a captive. In Grandmother's house in California, every word and action is strictly monitored, and even Maya's memories of her mother have been erased -- except within the imaginary world she has created. A world away, in the rugged Wyoming wilderness, a tobiano Paint horse called Artemisia runs free, belonging only to the stars. She embodies the spirit of the wild -- and she holds the key to Maya's memories. How Maya's and Artemisia's lives intertwine, like a braided rein, is at the heart of this richly drawn adventure about captivity and freedom, about holding on and letting go.