|
|
1 |
Robin McKinley Beauty
Pocket 1990 0671733338 / 9780671733339 Paperback Good
0671733338 From School Library Journal Grade 3-6His mother's failed marriage and a forced move to his grandfather's Oklahoma farm infuriate 11-year-old Luke. Beauty, an elderly mare, be comes his confidante as he adjusts to a rural lifestyle. Beauty also functions as a lovable equine counterpart to cranky Grampa. Grampa teaches Luke resil ience and determination, while the horse teaches him horsemanship skills. In this first-person narrative, Luke comes across as a believable character, who's impulsive, obstinate, and nar row-minded. Wrapped up in his own problems, he's slow to accept the teachings of Grampa and Beauty. How ever, when Beauty suffers a tragic acci dent, Luke proves himself man enough to put her out of her misery. Wallace's ``life goes on'' theme makes this a time less story, its mood somewhat reminis cent of the boy/animal relationships in Mary O'Hara's My Friend Flicka (Harper, 1973) and Wilson Rawls' Where the Red Fern Grows (Double day, 1986). Despite Beauty's death, a happy ending matches Luke with the mare's young granddaughter. Wal lace's smooth writing effectively bal ances action scenes with Luke's thoughts to involve readers. The short, cinematic chapters might attract reluc tant readers.Charlene Strickland, formerly at Albuquerque Public Li brary, N.M. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Book Description She was an old horse, but she could still run like a champ. Grampa warned him to be careful with Beauty, but Luke didn't listen. He'd told her all about his hopes, dreams, and fears -- secrets Beauty would never reveal. She was his pal, who went skinny dipping with him in forbidden ponds and galloping after cattle in dangerous cowboy games he knew he shouldn't play. Until the night of the wild storm, when Beauty raced through the barn doors he'd forgotten to close into a terrible trap, and Luke ran into the blinding rain desperate to save the best friend he'd ever have... --This text refers to the Paperback edition. May ship from alternate location depending on your zip code and availability.
Price:
1.49 USD
|
