This warm, engaging story is based on an actual historical event that took place in 1964 when the Swift Dam broke in Dupuyer, Montana and at least 27 people lost their lives. The account of those events has been told to author Pamela Porter and this work of fiction came out of those stories and recollections.

Told through the voice of a young Indian girl, Georgia, who was being raised by her grandparents, Paw Paw and Gramma, the story takes us from the day of the flood through the rebuilding of lives and the community of Indians living in Dupuyer. Segregation was still a part of life for the Indians in this community and their struggles are woven into the story. The title character, Sky, is a small pinto colt that is found by Georgia and her Paw Paw when they return to their washed out property looking for anything that might have survived the flood. All their own animals had been washed away, but this colt was found tangled in a tree. The growth of the colt and Georgia’s care and training of him is intertwined with the rebuilding of Georgia’s home and her coming of age. The strength of these Indian people is demonstrated by how the were able to overcome all the obstacles that were put in their way and work as a community to help everyone recover and continue on.

The illustrations capture a great deal of feeling and emotion that is conveyed in the story. They will draw any reader further into the story. ( )