One Unhappy Horse [Hardcover]

C. S. Adler (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Here is a moving intergenerational story, set in Arizona, about the friendship that develops between twelve-year-old Jan and Mattie, an elderly resident of a nearby assisted-living facility. Jan’s beloved horse, Dove, needs surgery on one of his legs, but money’s been extremely tight since Dad died, and Mom may not be able to afford the operation. The situation seems hopeless—until Mattie offers to help with a loan. But what will Mattie’s daughter think of her generous offer to a girl she just met?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Since the death of her father, things have been difficult for Jan and her mother as they try to hold on to the ranch. At least Jan has her horse to ride, or so she thought, until Dove develops an intermittent lameness problem. When the girl finally convinces her mother to call the vet, the prognosis is grim: Dove needs an operation or his condition will continue to deteriorate, and there's no money to pay for it. The situation seems hopeless until Jan meets Mattie, an elderly resident in an assisted-living facility. A friendship grows between these two lonely people, and Mattie's generous gesture to save Jan's horse also helps the woman's life take a turn for the better. Once again, Adler has written a well-paced story with interesting and mostly sympathetic characters. Mattie, who appears to have been abandoned by her daughter, is particularly believable and sensitively drawn. She is a striking contrast to Jan's grandmother, who shows little compassion for her granddaughter's plight. This heroine has many traits that readers will relate to as she struggles with her insecurities and loneliness. She is determined and kind and her love for her horse will evoke an empathetic response from readers.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. Things could hardly get worse for 12-year-old Jan: her father has died, her mother seems unloving, she has no friends, money is tight, and her beloved horse, Dove, is limping. Of course, things do get a bit worse--Dove needs an operation the family can't afford. But along the way Jan befriends Mattie, a resident at a nearby retirement home, and Lisa, a new girl at school. Even better, she realizes that her mother does love her, after all. Adler has created a number of convincing characters for this novel, which is set on a small ranch near Tucson, Arizona. The initial bleakness of Jan's situation may put off some readers, but girls who love to read about girls who love horses will find this a satisfying story in the end. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; None edition (March 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618049126
• ISBN-13: 978-0618049127
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,377,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm story of a girl's love for her horse, October 17, 2001

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Unhappy Horse (Hardcover)

Jan's life has changed since her father died; now her horse needs an operation she and her mother can't afford. As she watches her horse sicken she also struggles with the kindly offer of an old lady who lives nearby. Can she accept charity from someone who may not be in her right mind? A warm story of a girl's love for her horse.