Pony

“When you see him in Ithaca, do not expect to find him perfect.”

R.J. Palacio has written a real masterpiece of children's literature in >em>Pony. This is a historical novel in that its written to take place in the 1860s, but it is more a story about a particular person (who is fictional) than a story about a particular event. Silas' story from beginning to end is well-crafted, well-written, and well-executed. It is very much the hero's quest - his adventure starts when his father is taken away by three horsemen in the middle of night. He chooses to go on the quest when one of the horses mysteriously comes back for him. His companions, the valiant stead, the ghost, and eventually a sort of mentor who guides him through the Wood.

It is the little strings that tie all these characters together that really makes the story - of course the trip is wonderful to follow and cheer on, but the bits of connection that you see give this story meaning. This is junior historical fiction novel worth reading.