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A review by hickorynut
Pony by R.J. Palacio
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This follows the story of Silas, a 12 year old boy raised solely by his father in the 1800s. His father, a skilled craftsman, inventor, and photographer, is taken away at gunpoint, leaving a pony behind. Silas sets out with Pony to find his father, accompanied by a ghost of a young adult named Mittenwool.
The research the author did on historical photographic processes was evident, detailed and realistic. There are a few twists and turns in the plot, most of which felt somewhat obvious, but the detailed character backstories and intertwined relationships had some surprising and intriguing connections. As far as middle grade survival/abandonment stories go, it had more focus on human to human violence than Silas's own experiences as he tried to survive.
The research the author did on historical photographic processes was evident, detailed and realistic. There are a few twists and turns in the plot, most of which felt somewhat obvious, but the detailed character backstories and intertwined relationships had some surprising and intriguing connections. As far as middle grade survival/abandonment stories go, it had more focus on human to human violence than Silas's own experiences as he tried to survive.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Murder