Brave Horse (Mustang Mountain Series)
#3 in Mustang Mountain Series
What’s inside...
A story of adventure and self-discovery. Each book in the Mustang Mountain series is a thrilling read filled with stories of friendship, adventure and intrigue. In the sixth book of the fast-paced series, Becky, Meg and Alison return to the ranch deep in the Rocky Mountains for summer vacation. Becky is thrilled to be home, and even Alison's annoying ways don't bother her too much. But Alison goes too far when she sends Thomas Horne on a wild goose chase after a phantom horse named Diablo. At first, she had scoffed at the ranch cook's ghost stories of a horse that haunts nearby Rainbow Valley. But as the days pass and Thomas fails to appear, everyone begins to worry that something terrible must have happened to him. As the girls set out with a search party, they soon realize he may not be the only one in danger. Can they avoid the curse of the ghost horse and make it back to Mustang Mountain Ranch safely?
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a horse, like the ones in the book, brave?
How did the characters in the story demonstrate teamwork and why is it important?
What challenges did the characters face and how did they overcome them?
If you were part of the adventure in Mustang Mountain, what role would you choose and why?
How do you think taking care of animals can help people learn about responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss 'Brave Horse' with your child, focus on the themes of courage, friendship, and responsibility. Encourage your child to relate the experiences of the characters to their own life. Ask them how they would react in similar situations, fostering empathy and ethical reasoning. Additionally, highlight the natural setting of Mustang Mountain to explore topics about nature and animal care.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and overcoming fears
Explanation: In 'Brave Horse,' the main characters face challenging situations which require them to act bravely, despite their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, understanding that it's okay to feel scared but still important to try their best.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how working together and supporting friends can lead to overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable alone.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by collaborating with peers in school projects or sports, learning to value and trust others' contributions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care for animals
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate commitment and kindness towards horses, showcasing responsible animal care.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take responsibility for their pets or show kindness to animals they encounter in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists encounter setbacks but continually persevere, a key aspect of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence is important even when facing difficulties, whether in academic subjects, relationships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The setting in 'Brave Horse' is rich with descriptions of the natural world, promoting a love and appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to explore the outdoors more often and to participate in environmental conservation efforts.