Stealing Thunder [Hardcover]

Mary Casanova (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1999 | Grade Level: 3 and up

The one thing Libby has always wanted is a horse of her own. Riding her neighbor Jolene's horse, Thunderbird, has been the next best thing. Thunderbird and Libby have a special relationship. But then everything changes. Thunder is off-limits, and Libby doesn't think she can stand it.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Libby has always wanted a horse of her own, but riding and caring for her neighbor Jolene Porter's horse, Thunder, has been the next best thing. Everything changes once Jolene leaves her husband and Libby discovers that Mr. Porter has been abusing the animal. With the help of her new friend, Griff, she decides to steal Thunder to ensure his safety. However, Mr. Porter has plans of his own that may mean trouble for the youngsters. This fast-paced adventure works because of Casanova's precise and evocative descriptions that weave their way around a compelling story of intrigue and heroism. Libby's love for horses is nicely juxtaposed against Porter's desire to rid himself of the burden of owning the stable, to the point of setting his barn on fire in a ploy to collect the insurance money. It is Libby's quick thinking and levelheadedness that help save the animals. She and Griff are personable characters whose friendship is one of trust and loyalty. Libby is a winning heroine who will do anything to save Thunder. Her actions speak louder than words, and she stands up for what she believes in a world in which adults think they know what's best. In a totally satisfying ending, the girl is united with the animal she loves.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Mary Casanova lives "up north" along the Canadian border in Rainier, Minnesota. She is the author of Riot: Wolf Shadows; Moose Tracks and her newest book, Curse of a Winter Moon, which was a Children's Book-of-the-Month Club selection. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078680324X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786803248
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,339,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A horse story with intrigue, strong sense of place, & heart!, June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stealing Thunder (Hardcover)

This wonderful middle grade novel will delight young readers who love horses as well as those who love novels with an underpinning of intrigue and heroism.

Casanova's writing here is exceptional, the language evocative. Even more so than in Casanova's other well-received novels, her careful turns of phrase and choice of words enrich a compelling story.

STEALING THUNDER, set in Casanova's home state of Minnesota, carries a strong sense of place. In additon, one feels the presence of the horses in a powerful way. You'll feel their breath, hear their snorts, smell their sweat and, especially, experience Thunder's fear.

Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stealing Thunder, July 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stealing Thunder (Hardcover)

This compelling adventure is sure to attrack horse lovers as well as kids who crave adventure. Libby is appalled to discover that her neighbor, Mr. Porter, is abusing the horse that she has curried and cared for, in exchange for lessons from his wife. Now Jolene Porter has left town, and Mr. Porter is taking his wrath out on Thunder. Libby is determined to save Thunder before he is maimed or killed, but Mr. Porter is lurking and has plans of his own. Will Libby succeed? You won't be able to put this well written, cleverly plotted book down!

A reader from Pa.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars O.K. Horse Book,room for improvement, December 12, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Stealing Thunder (Hardcover)

This book is about 12-year-old Libby and Thunder,the young appaloosa she has developed a special bond with. Thunder's owner Jolene has run off and left Thunder in the care of her cruel husband Mr.Porter,who abuses Thunder and even drowns the barn cat Mitt's kittens! Libby really wants Thunder,but her family can't afford him. So she and her friend Griff try to rescue him before Mr.Porter does something that will give him money and kill Thunder!It's up to Libby and Griff to save him! This is a good adventure,and I like it beacause it's about horses(I own a pony and ride). However,the story is a little boring most of the time;only about one third is about Thunder. All the rest is about things that dont'have anything to do with horses. Too high a percentage is about Libby and Griff making plans,and too low a percentage is about actually doing something. However,the parts that are about horses are pretty realistic,considering Libby's limited horse knowledge.