The Horse Road

Gr 5 Up–A horse race grabs readers at the outset of this novel set in ancient Persia, but it becomes secondary once Kalli and her friend Batu realize that the Chinese army is marching toward Kalli’s village, endangering the lives of the villagers and Kalli’s family’s prized horses. Her mother is injured and her father is away, so the brave girl must rely on the skills her parents have taught her. She secures the horses, including her beloved mare, and musters up the courage to confront unsavory characters both inside and outside her village to save the animals. Kalli’s character has the most depth, though readers will find her friends bring levity and warmth to her story and challenge her to take risks and grow in ways she may not have on her own. In the end, it is her mother’s approval that is most satisfying to the young heroine. The writing feels forced when the characters and the scenery are introduced, but the rich storytelling, including descriptions of daily life and the landscape, and some impressive riding sequences, propel the action forward. Historical and cultural details are well integrated, as are facts about horses, and Harrison provides further information in the afterword. This novel, with its strong female protagonist and suspenseful sequences, may appeal to a broad range of readers.–Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY