Book details
Dirt
Description
A Horse in the house?Things are hard for eleven-year-old Yonder. Her mother died and her father has sunk into sadness. She doesn't have a friend to her name... except for Dirt, the Shetland pony next door.Dirt has problems of his own. He's overweight, he's always in trouble, and his owner is the mean Miss Enid, who doesn't have the patience for a pony's natural curiosity. His only friend is Yonder, the scrawny girl next door.So when Miss Enid decides to sell Dirt for horsemeat, Yonder knows she has to find a way to rescue him. Even if that means stealing Dirt away and sneaking him into her own house. What follows will make you worry, will make you cry, and will ultimately fill you with hope, love, and an unshakable belief in the power of friendship. Especially the four-legged kind.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
224 pages
Why to read
- Emotional Connection: 'Dirt' by Denise Gosliner Orenstein is a touching story that explores the bond between a young girl and her pony, offering readers an emotional journey that can lead to a deeper understanding of friendship, loyalty, and love.
- Important Themes: The book tackles significant themes such as poverty, family dynamics, and animal welfare, providing readers with insights into social issues and encouraging empathy and awareness.
- Character Development: Readers can witness the growth and development of the protagonist, Yonder, as she navigates through her challenges. This can be inspiring and relatable for readers, especially those who are dealing with their own personal struggles.
- Engaging Narrative: With its compelling plot and well-crafted characters, 'Dirt' keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The story's pacing and emotional depth make it a page-turner that's hard to put down.