Storm Chaser

Category: Themes:
Jessie dreams of training horses, and secretly begins working with a Paint filly named Storm Chaser. But when disaster strikes the ranch, will she be able to protect Storm Chaser?
Price: $15.95
  • ISBN: 9781561454969
  • Publication date: 10/01/2009
  • Page Count: 160
  • Size: 6" x 8-1/2"
  • Age Range: 8-12

Description

Jessie dreams of training horses, and secretly begins working with a Paint filly named Storm Chaser. But when disaster strikes the ranch, will she be able to protect Storm Chaser?

Thirteen-year-old Jessie lives with her family on the dusty Wild Hawk Ranch in Nevada and loves the horses her father and brother break in to sell to local ranchers and rodeo competitors. This year, she is determined to help train the horses, especially when she lays eyes on the wild Paint filly Storm Chaser. When Jessie’s father tells her she is still too young, she deliberately disobeys him by working with the filly.

When a fire destroys the barn, Jessie’s family reluctantly turns their ranch into a vacation dude ranch to earn much-needed money. Jessie becomes wary of Ariel, a rude guest and spoiled city girl who always expects to get her way, and when Ariel announces she wants to buy Storm Chaser, Jessie’s already fragile world begins to crack. What can she do to keep “her” beloved Paint from being sold?

Chris Platt, a former jockey, has written an entertaining and well-paced story with sympathetic characters. Featuring plenty of horse-filled action scenes and information about horse training and behavior, Storm Chaser is sure to delight equine enthusiasts.

Author/Illustrator

Chris Platt

Author

Chris Platt, one of the first female jockeys in Oregon, is the author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including the popular horse novels Willow King, its sequel Race the Wind, and many titles in the Thoroughbred series. She lives in Nevada.

Reviews

“Lovely horse details, fine characterization and a real sense of family combine to make an excellent book.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Platt draws readers into life on the ranch and shares her knowledge and love of horses…. The writing flows naturally with succinct descriptions and a light, yet exciting mood that is created from the beginning.” ―School Library Journal

“This story has a wholesome feel to it, has suitable challenges, and, of course, horses, horses, horses! ―5 Minutes for Books

Awards

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2010

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2011-2012

Mark Twain Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2011-2012

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2011-2012

More Details

AR Level: 5.1
F&P: U, Gr 5, Genre RF
Lexile: 800L
Themes: Hard Work, Horse Care and Training, Patience, Sacrifice
BISAC 1: JUV002130 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Horses
BISAC 2: JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
BISAC 3: JUV000000 JUVENILE FICTION / General