Chancey of the Maury River

Gr 4–8—On the night horse Chancey is born, a shooting star blazes across the sky. His dam explains that the "fire star" foretells a life destined for beauty, wisdom, and greatness. Told in the tradition of some of the best horse stories of all time, Amateau's tale (Candlewick, 2008) of love and loss is shown from the horse's point of view. Chancey becomes a school horse, teaching students how to jump, but when his owner's financial difficulties lead to a trip to the auction and then abandonment, he seems destined for a life of hardship. Chancey ultimately begins anew: first with a young girl who works to heal his physical wounds as he soothes her deep psychological scars, and later as a therapeutic riding horse. Amateau does a stellar job of describing the healing bond that develops between horse and human in this beautiful tribute to the comforting power of animals. Young enthusiasts will savor the extraordinary view into the thoughts of a horse. Details of barn life enrich the story. Narrator JD Jackson easily transitions between characters and captures Chancey's indomitable spirit. Purchase where there is a demand for horse stories.—Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH