YMMV Death of parent, remarriage, possible drinking to excess.

I picked up this book last weekend at a thrift store, as I've read other books by this author. I suppose it is considered a 'youth' book, but it was a pleasant read.

The story takes place in the late 1800s or early 1900s in Oregon and concerns a family who have moved from the city to 'farm'. Unfortunately, the father doesn't have a clue about how to manage/handle a farm, and winds up spending more time at the local tavern than where he needs to be. His wife is trying to handle the family and the farm, helped by her 12 year old son and sickly 7 year old daughter. The title comes from the boy's longing for a black pony he sees running across the valley daily, as the horses are driven to water.

Nice story, good character development, and I recommend it. ( )

A boy growing up in the Oregon country in the early 1900s experiences the death of his father, the remarriage of his mother, and the ultimate attainment of a dream. ( )