Pony by R. J. Palacio
Published by Random House Children's Books on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 9780553508116
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Historical Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

A rip-roaring adventure, western, historical fiction with paranormal elements. Then there is the mystery about his beloved father’s dark past. Twelve-year-old Silas is awoken in the night by three menacing horsemen who take his father away. Silas is left alone except for the presence of his companion, Mittenwool, who happens to be a ghost. Then a pony shows up and Silas decides to go find his father. Good character development and a strong setting throughout. History, literature, and science of the day are essential to the story so probably best suited for middle school.  Also violence and gore are plentiful, with gunplay, hand-to-hand-combat, grievous wounds, and lost limbs. Multiple characters die. Palacio provides extensive references for further reading in the afterword. Atmospheric daguerreotypes front each chapter.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library