Customer Reviews

Spirit Horse

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my second time reading *Spirit Horse* and I have to say I was so not disappointed. The first time I read it, I skimmed over it because I wanted to read the action and adventure and didn't really care much for the details. But this time when I read it, I read everything and it gave me such a clear picture. This is a must read for everyone because it's soo good.

Running Crane was chosen to go along with Wolf Eagle's war party and it is a great honor to be chosen. But the bad thing is that Weasel Rider was also chosen to go along with the party. Running Crane doesn't like Weasel Rider because Weasel Rider always taunt Running Crane about how he wasn't able to ride a horse. (Everytime Running Crane rides a horse, the horse throws him off) Running Crane doesn't like the taunts and he dreams about this great spirit horse which runs very fast and is magnificent.

So Wolf Eagle and the party goes to steal horses and during their journey to travel to the Snake People's land (their enemy), Running Crane has to endure Weasel Rider's taunts. When they arrive, they hear how there's this great horse and if fits the description of Running Crane's great horse. They go to steal horses but something goes wrong and Running Crane is separated from the party. Now it is up to Running Crane to survive the wilderness and to tame that great horse, that was let loose during their mission.

This book is a must read because it holds a lot of knowledge and sense. I think everyone would enjoy this book!!! I know I have enjoyed it.

^_^ ~ Izzy

Spirit Horse captured and held both my interest and my imagination. I found myself (a 62-year-old white woman living in a large metropolitan area in Michigan in 1999) identifying completely with Running Crane (a young Blackfoot boy living on the plains of what is now Alberta, Canada, or Montana in 1770). Ned Ackerman succeeded brilliantly in telling his story through Running Crane and weaving into his story much of what makes us all human. Spirit Horse is very well-written and moves right along. I read the book straight through, and I know that I will read it again and again. Congratulations to Ned Ackerman on his excellent book. I believe that teachers will consider Spirit Horse a welcome addition to units on multiculturalism and diversity. I believe that the book's appeal extends well beyond the target age group.

THE SPIRIT HORSE is a terriffic book about horses. In the story, Running Crane is the only member in the tribe that has not ridden a horse nearly since birth. HE is teased by nearly all the other boys. Though he cannot ride like a pro (yet), the leader of the tribe still picks him out of all the other boys to be one of the children that will acompany the seven warriors on the horse raid. But not only do others laugh at him at camp, his long time enemy is comming as the third boy. Despite all the obsitcals, Running Crane keeps to his dream, to capture the spirit horse no matter what tries to stop him. I love the determination and spirit of RUNNNING CRANE. i have only had this book about a month and i have already read it at least 3 times THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!!!!! ENJOY!!!!

Ned Ackerman has succeeded in telling a credible tale. The young reader (and adult ones like myself) are pulled in quickly to the challenge ahead of our young protagonist. Spririt Horse is less a horse story and one of how a boy finds courage and grows; the charcters are beliveable, the adventure compelling. It made me want to be a kid again.

Spirit Horse, by Ned Ackerman, is a refreshing addition to the world of books for young readers. The protagonist, Running Crane, faces, in the world of the Native American plains, the same sorts of dilemmas and choices that arise with coming of age in any society: questions of self-worth in the face of ridicule, peer pressure, the inward search and how it relates to the outside world. But in spite of its conceptual depth, this book is a delight for its vivid characterization, its can't-put-it-down plot, and its authenticity. Mr. Ackerman has done his research well, and tells a fine tale.

This was one of the best boks I've ever read. And since I've read a WHOLE lot, thats a great piece of praise. Running Crane is a Siksika whose father had been killed. His mother marries into the Kainaa Tribe. Running Crane is chosen to come on a horse raid on the Snake People. Weasel Rider, another Kainaa youth also going on the horse raid, teases Running Crane about having no medisine and not being able to stay on a horse. When Running Crane is seperated from the horse raid. He encountars a beautiful Spirit Horse. Will Running Crane Be abe to achieve his dream and tame the wild Spirit Horse? Find out and READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! It is STUPENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was swept right into the story -- it moves that quickly. A wonderful debut.

Ned Ackerman has written an absolutely wonderful story, richly detailed with the spirit of the Blackfoot People. I read this story aloud to my son, & again to myself, for the sheer enjoyment. Highly recommended!

An excellent story, I couldn't put it down. Don't start this book unless you have the time to finish it the same day!

I've read Spirit Horse, and I've given it as a gift more than once. It's one of those stories that creates empathy for the protagonist with each chapter. At the end of each chapter, I could hardly wait to get into the next one to see how our young hero would handle the challenging situations. Ta daa! There's a rewarding--feel good conclusion, but I don't want to give away the end of the story.

Thanks Ned Ackerman!

Barbara Murray Klopp, Children's Author