Book details
Hoofbeats: Lara at Athenry Castle Book 3
Description
Nine-year-old Lara is the daughter of the r?-the leader of her cattle-raising clan. While she spends her days tending to the cattle, her heart lies with her beloved gray mare. When Lara goes to the highlands to set the cattle out to graze, she finds the mare in the process of a difficult birth. Lara vows to take care of the foal as a dying promise to the gray mare, and with the help of a childless milk-cow, she cares for the spindly-legged filly. But just when she is confident that the foal can survive, a rival clan captures them both, and throws Lara's life into turmoil. When the filly is eventually given to a titled baron in the castle town of Athenry, Lara, determined to stay with the horse no matter what, goes along. Together, she and her beloved horse face seemingly insurmountable challenges, but all along Lara keeps two things in mind. One day, she will manage to flee, and will set off in search of the family that she was taken from. And she will not leave without her silver mare.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
144 pages
Book in series
#3
Why to read
- Engaging Historical Setting: 'Hoofbeats: Lara at Athenry Castle Book 3' transports readers to medieval Ireland, providing a rich and immersive historical context that can both educate and entertain readers who are interested in this time period.
- Character Development: The book continues the journey of the protagonist, Lara, allowing readers to follow her growth and development as she faces challenges and adventures, making it a great read for those who enjoy character-driven stories.
- Educational Value: Kathleen Duey's series is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Reading this book can provide insights into the daily life, customs, and struggles of people during the medieval era, making it a valuable resource for learning outside the classroom.
- Series Continuity: As the third book in the 'Hoofbeats' series, it offers continuity for readers who have become invested in the storyline and characters. It's a chance to see the overarching plot unfold further and to satisfy the curiosity of those eager to know what happens next in Lara's tale.