Saving Bluestone Belle (Paperback)

~ Strawberry Shakespeare (Author)
Key Phrases: horse van, Herbal World, San Diego, Waitress Annie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Saving Bluestone Belle is a rollicking adventure about Homer Easton, a quirky ten year old who sets out from his California home on a perilous journey to rescue his beloved albino mare, Bluestone Belle, from horse thieves. Along the way, he discovers the horrific reason why 'Blue' was taken and that he himself is in grave danger! Whether he's tracking Blue across desert and sea or infiltrating the horse-nappers' fortress, Homer's very life depends on his ability to outfox his terrifying opponents. Can Homer marshal his unique strengths to save his own life and rescue Blue? Animal lovers of all ages will treasure this tale about an endangered horse. Kids will love the breathless pace and surprising twists and turns. They'll laugh out loud at the madcap predicaments Homer gets himself into, and cheer him on as he proves himself an unlikely hero. With ten full-page illustrations that capture the most dramatic moments, Saving Bluestone Belle tells a heartwarming story that inspires young readers to be the best they can be.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Diamond Star Press (October 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977433536
• ISBN-13: 978-0977433537
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #308,072 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Family Adventure, September 7, 2006

By	Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Young Homer Easton's world crumbled around him when his parents divorced and his horse Benny Two Shoes died. Homer vicariously lived a life through the "Lone Ranger." A whiz at computers, Homer set up an online company to sell Western paraphernalia.

For his tenth birthday his father presented Homer with a magnificent white horse to replace Benny Two Shoes. The horse was repossessed due to a misunderstanding at the bank. Two desperado type characters loaded Bluestone Belle into their truck and hauled her away.

The story revolves around Homer, Dr. Willoughby, his psychiatrist, Joe, his personal trainer, and Maria, the family maid, and their efforts to save Bluestone Belle from a band of criminals.

Narrow escapes, thrilling chases, and death defying risks keep the reader in suspense throughout this fast paced adventure story, for kids, ages 9-12.

The characters are zany and loveable. Maria's frequent use of Spanish phrases gives the story an added dimension.

The illustrations by Mike Bitz are clever and expressive. The author has demonstrated an uncanny sense of understanding of this age group in her choice of vocabulary in both the narrative and in the dialog of her characters.

Young readers will identify with Homer's sense of loneliness as his parents choose career and freedom instead fulfilling parental roles. Romantic innuendos give promise to reconciliation when Homer is kidnapped while attempting to save Bluestone Belle.

This dramatic adventure story is an excellent choice for the classroom, for family night reading, and holds potential for an award winning family film. An excellent read for the whole family.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll Laugh out Loud!, July 14, 2006

By	Linda Hunnicutt (Big Spring, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a delightful book. Fom the first page you get the exciting feel of being Homer, a smart 10 year old entrepreneur who sees every challenge as just something to overcome on the way to his goal: saving his beloved Bluestone Belle. There is a wacky cast of characters who range from the quirky adults whose job is tending Homer, his well-meaning but clueless parents, to the thrillingly rough villains. I read it to a group of wildly enthusiastic 4th graders. They loved the cover, and kept looking at it to guess what might come next: a meeting with a lion? a shark attack? We laughed a lot as we read, and the fresh modern vocabulary gave many opportunities to discuss idioms, new technology, and figurative language. They learned new words and phrases. The situations Homer encounters brought up discussions about loneliness, wealth, independence, loyalty, and characters who grow and change. It was perfect for asking "What would you do?" My own teenage daughter enjoyed the book too. I recommend it highly.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving Blue and Our Youth, July 9, 2006

By	Nancy Lester - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Saving Bluestone Belle is recommended for ages 9 to 12; however, this 70 year old found herself unable to put the book down until she finished it. What fun and excitement! Vivid descriptions make this book an enjoyable experience. You feel like you are there. Teachers and parents will find the hero, Homer, a good role model for young people to take control of their lives, no matter what their circumstances. Homer demonstrates that you don't need admiring peers or perfect parents to be successful. All you need is passion and wise persistence. Homer uses his wits instead of brawn and aggression. For a children's book to sell, adults have to enjoy it, too. I see 'Bluestone' as a novel that kids and parents can enjoy together. Also it will appeal to boys who normally are not interested in reading fiction.
N Lester, MA Counseling