Project Description

Middle Readers

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Excerpt

Wind Dancer

by Chris Platt

Can a rescued horse help Ali get through to her brother, who has returned from Afghanistan with PTSD?

Ali used to love horses. But that was before the accident, when she was injured and her pony died. Before her brother Danny joined the military. Now Danny has returned from Afghanistan. He’s learning to walk with the prosthetic that has replaced one of his legs, but he can’t seem to find a way to reconnect with family and friends. Withdrawn and quick to anger, Danny suffers from terrible nightmares and frightening mood changes.

When Ali realizes that an elderly neighbor has been neglecting her horses, she decides to act. Can Ali rise above her painful memories and love a horse again? And can Wind Dancer, also injured and traumatized, help Danny rediscover meaning in his life?

Chris Platt, a former jockey, has written a touching and well-paced story with sympathetic characters. Featuring plenty of horse-filled action scenes and information about horse training and behavior, Wind Dancer is sure to delight equine enthusiasts.

Format: Hardcover
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-736-6
Publication Date: 4/1/2014
Page Count: 176
Size: 6 ̎ x 8-1/2 ̎
Age Range: 8 – 12
Language: English
Format: eBook
ISBN: 978-1-56145-828-8
Age Range: 8 – 12
Language: English

Purchase this eBook through the following vendors:

OpenRoad
Booksource
Follett
Mackin

AR Level: 4.6
GRL: V, Gr 5
Lexile: 660L
Themes: Hard Work, Horse Care and Training, Patience, Sacrifice
BISAC 1: JUV002130 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Horses
BISAC 2: JUV039220 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Values & Virtues
BISAC 3: JUV032090 JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Equestrian

Reviews

“With detailed information about caring for horses, this quick novel is a good choice for readers looking for animal stories with heart.” ―Booklist Online

“The abuse and rehabilitation of the horses is handled well…fully developed without sensationalism or melodrama. …[O]ne of Platt’s better works; horse-crazy kids will love it, as always.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Chris Platt tells Ally and Danny’s story with surprising tenderness and an impressive depth of knowledge. Wind Dancer is a touching story of second chances.” ―Middle Shelf

“A great book that covered both the issue of caring for horses and the issue of returning vets with PTSD.” ―YA and Kids Books Central

Awards

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2015

Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers ―VOYA, 2014

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2015

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate, Top Pick) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2015

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2015-2016

Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2017

Children’s Lamplighter Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2015-2016

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Meet the Author

Chris Platt, one of the first female jockeys in Oregon, is the author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including the popular horse novels Willow King, its sequel Race the Wind, and many titles in the Thoroughbred series. She lives in Nevada.