Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Lester introduces readers to a willful Australian girl in this gripping adventure novel."
Review
"The plot's components—girl–loves–horse story, family drama, girls–against–the–elements adventure—make this novel a multilayered pleasure."
Review
"This fast–paced 'horse and girl' adventure story has interesting well–developed characters, and the tension among the family members is well drawn."
Review
"Crisp writing and terrific adventure scenes propel the reader."
Review
Lester introduces readers to a willful Australian girl in this gripping adventure novel.” Booklist, ALA
The plots componentsgirlloveshorse story, family drama, girlsagainsttheelements adventuremake this novel a multilayered pleasure.” VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
This fastpaced horse and girl adventure story has interesting welldeveloped characters, and the tension among the family members is well drawn.” School Library Journal
Crisp writing and terrific adventure scenes propel the reader.” Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Three years of drought have reduced the Rileys farm to a dirt patch and strained the family to the breaking point. Between their increasingly desperate finances, her fathers short temper, and her best friends move to boarding school in the city, Dustys whole life seems to be unraveling. Her only consolation is her wild and beautiful horse, the Snow Pony.
Dusty first sees the wild brumby up on the Plains, and from that first glimpse, she can think of little else. Months later, her father catches the horse and tries to break it in, but the Snow Pony will only accept one riderDusty. Together they seem unstoppable. But when sudden violence erupts during a trip up to the mountains, Dusty and her horse find themselves tested as never before.
In her second novel, set in rural Australias rugged terrain, author Alison Lester weaves together a colorful and compassionate story of family, courage, adventure, and a young girls passion for her horse.
About the Author
Australian author Alison Lester is perhaps best known for her picture books. However, she captivated her audience with her first novel, The Quicksand Pony. In a starred review School Library Journal called it "a gripping adventure story, a tale of survival, an engaging mystery, a touching animal story, and a family saga."