A Horse Called Hero
by Sam Angus
288 pages // published in 2013 // YA historical fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION
It is 1940. As the Second World War escalates and London becomes a target for German bombs, Dodo and her horse-mad little brother Wolfie are evacuated to the country, away from everything they know. After weeks of homesick loneliness, they come across an orphaned foal. They name the horse Hero for surviving against the odds and together they raise him, train him, and learn to ride. Their days are suddenly full of life and excitement again, but the shadow of war looms over their peaceful existence, and soon Hero must live up to his name...
It is 1940. As the Second World War escalates and London becomes a target for German bombs, Dodo and her horse-mad little brother Wolfie are evacuated to the country, away from everything they know. After weeks of homesick loneliness, they come across an orphaned foal. They name the horse Hero for surviving against the odds and together they raise him, train him, and learn to ride. Their days are suddenly full of life and excitement again, but the shadow of war looms over their peaceful existence, and soon Hero must live up to his name...
This story is akin to reading Black Beauty or War Horse. I'll tell you now, it can be a hard, sad story at certain points. It's not the easiest horse story to read.
It is wartime in England. The children are put on a train, taken to the safe countryside with a plethora of other children just like them, and the community in Dulverton takes the children into their homes. Reminiscent of orphan trains that went across America and Canada -- except this is only during wartime, temporary.
The writing style has a classic poetic feel to it sometimes. This is not a happy-go-lucky adventure; it's more of a sombre tale with deep meanings. There is some death and grieving; and when it comes, it is so stark and raw -- a bit unnerving.
Thoroughly researched and filled with historical detail. Has plenty of interesting vocabulary choices that I haven't read in books before. I'm assuming the author may be British.
Minimum age to read: 10 and up.
Book #10 completed
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This is a very good review I will buy a copy I think I may enjoy it to.
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