A Horse Called Hero
Exciting, moving WWII tale a gem; not only for horse lovers.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A Horse Called Hero has it all. There's heartbreaking loss (of a beloved pet), danger, and excitement. There's also love, joy, and beauty not only in the lives of the characters but in the writing itself. The young children are separated from their father by World War II, but they correspond with him. There's no gore, although a dead animal is described briefly. The few incidents of violence are from accidents, not between people. Characters are sometimes in great danger, and painful injuries are described briefly a few times. Positive messages abound as the brother and sister protagonists learn through raising a horse how to be good and brave, which will inspire readers of all ages to be the same.
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What's the Story?
When Germany starts bombing London during World War II, 8-year-old Wolfie and his older sister, Dorothy (Dodo), are sent to the countryside where they'll be safely away from the bombs. Eventually Wolfie and Dodo settle with Hettie Lamb and her father in the southeastern part of England, where Wolfie finds and rescues a little colt. Together he and Hero learn from each other as they grow up. As the war goes on, horses become more and more valuable. Eventually Hero is stolen, and Wolfe and Dodo are devastated. Near the end of the war, Wolfie learns that Hero might be working down the nearby mine. Despite the dangers, Wolfie determines to go into the mine himself and, if Hero's there, bring him out at all costs.
Is It Any Good?
A HORSE CALLED HERO is a gorgeous, epic tale. The poetic language takes the reader through every emotion, from excitement and joy to fear and heartbreak. There's exciting action and danger, gut-wrenching loss, joy, and triumph -- all handled with a deft, expert touch that never becomes overwrought.
Wolfie and Dodo are a compelling brother-and-sister team. The narration weaves seamlessly between their points of view, and readers will admire the way they cope with everything life throws their way. Not only for horse lovers or World War II buffs, this beautiful story has an unflinching emotional range that brings a unique time and place in history to life. It's sure to become a beloved favorite of everyone lucky enough to read it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how war separates people from their loved ones. How do Dodo and Wolfie cope with missing their father? How would you cope, or how did you, if you were separated from someone you loved?
Did you read the author's note at the end? Were you surprised to learn that some parts of the story were based on things that really happened? What surprised you the most?
Do you have a pet? How do you take care of it? Is it a lot of work? How does Wolfie take care of Hero?
Book Details
- Author: Sam Angus
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models, History, Horses and Farm Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date: July 1, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 304
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Black Beauty
Classic horse novel has be-kind-to-animals message.
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On the Wings of Heroes
Funny, poignant life on home front during WWII.
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Ghost Hawk
Gorgeous tale of Native American and colonist friendship.
For kids who love history and horses
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