It’s wartime and London is no longer safe so Dodo and Wolfie, along with many other children, are forced to go and live with a family in the country. Their mother is dead and their father is off fighting in the war. Wolfie, who has dreamed of owning a horse, finds an abandoned, orphaned silver foal who is near death, names him Hero, and nurses him back to health. Hero is stolen and heartbroken Wolfie is determined to find him. This is a wonderful, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and trust between a small boy and the horse he is willing to risk his own life for. Reminiscent of the book “War Horse” by Michael Morpurgo, tweens, teens and adults will enjoy this engaging story.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
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A historical novel set in WWII-era England. Good old-fashioned storytelling but a bit melodramatic. ( )

This is one of the best historical fiction novels I've read since "Good Night, Mr. Tom" (by Michelle Magorian) and the best horse story since Walter Farley's "The Black Stallion." Sam Angus' ability to describe the love between a boy and horse is phenomenal. The letters from Pa to Wolfie about horses intertwine throughout the story to develop and emphasize that love. Exquisite passages of idyllic moments in the English countryside between brother and sister, horses and children contrast with horrific war and coal mine scenes, but all weaves together fluidly to tell a heartfelt and historically accurate story. Pa, Father Lamb and Hettie are beautiful adult characters who love and support Dodo and Wolfie, but never condescend. Courage is a strong theme. I love Father Lamb's sensitivity to both sides of the war, praying for the German people as well as the English, despite being ostracized by his own community. Pa always tells his children the truth even when it's brutal and hard. I must admit, the plot started out a bit slow, but it gains momentum once the children move to the country. Young readers may have a bit of trouble with some of the Briticisms and local slang words, but they don't detract from the power of the story. I highly recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction, family stories, and most especially, horses. I need to read it again more slowly to honor the beautiful writing. ( )