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A review by katykelly
Pony by R.J. Palacio
5.0
Historical heart-tugger, powerful story.
Whether or not you know (and inevitably loved) Wonder, this is one to judge on its merits separately. Though it shares heart with its predecessor, you would not recognise its author as that of Auggie's story.
While I chose this based on the author's name, I was also intrigued by the premise and historical setting. In a backwoods-type setting, a father and son live in relative peace, the son learning science and astronomy, photography and history from a well-read and erudite parent. Until the night his father is taken by men on horses, leaving Silas alone and scared for his father.
Setting out on the horse that makes it way back to his home, Silas determines to track the men down and save his father, with the strange horse and his imaginary friend Mittenwool for company and guidance.
And so begins an adventure of bravery and discovery. Silas has much to learn about his father, his own history, and just what he is capable of.
I could picture each of these chapters in front of me on a screen, there are some wonderful characters here, alongside the mysteries of the overtly-smart horse and the imaginary friend who seems able to interact and view the world as something much more.
There's a blurring of genres here, with Westerns, supernatural stories, family mysteries, all showing their hands. It's also a bit of a heart-breaker at times and one that gives right to the last.
Loved Silas, I wanted more of his Dad who I actually felt was rather fanciable from the little I saw of him. I would love this to be made into a film or series, and I also hope this gives younger readers a taste for learning about the original techniques of telescopy and photography that Silas and his Dad use. Well-researched and an exciting, enveloping read from Palacio.
For ages 11 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
Whether or not you know (and inevitably loved) Wonder, this is one to judge on its merits separately. Though it shares heart with its predecessor, you would not recognise its author as that of Auggie's story.
While I chose this based on the author's name, I was also intrigued by the premise and historical setting. In a backwoods-type setting, a father and son live in relative peace, the son learning science and astronomy, photography and history from a well-read and erudite parent. Until the night his father is taken by men on horses, leaving Silas alone and scared for his father.
Setting out on the horse that makes it way back to his home, Silas determines to track the men down and save his father, with the strange horse and his imaginary friend Mittenwool for company and guidance.
And so begins an adventure of bravery and discovery. Silas has much to learn about his father, his own history, and just what he is capable of.
I could picture each of these chapters in front of me on a screen, there are some wonderful characters here, alongside the mysteries of the overtly-smart horse and the imaginary friend who seems able to interact and view the world as something much more.
There's a blurring of genres here, with Westerns, supernatural stories, family mysteries, all showing their hands. It's also a bit of a heart-breaker at times and one that gives right to the last.
Loved Silas, I wanted more of his Dad who I actually felt was rather fanciable from the little I saw of him. I would love this to be made into a film or series, and I also hope this gives younger readers a taste for learning about the original techniques of telescopy and photography that Silas and his Dad use. Well-researched and an exciting, enveloping read from Palacio.
For ages 11 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.