Horse Diaries #2: Bell's Star

Alison Hart, the Author of Bell's Star, writes a heart-warming story that made me forget about the T.V. In the beginning of the story, it's the middle of winter, and a colt is born to a mare named Bell. Bell is a Morgan horse with a star on her forehead. Hart goes into great detail to show the reader the world from the colt's point of view. Like the time when Bell's Star, whom becomes known as Star, meets a blue jay for the first time. "A bright blue creature landed on the fence. I tensed. Is this danger? I asked my mother. Her muzzle twitched in laughter. No my son, that is a blue jay..." Bell's Star meets his kind and gentle friend, Katie. Katie teaches Star how to race, and he always beats a Thoroughbred named Prince, who belongs to Katie's friend. Katie's Papa teaches Bell's Star to pull a plow and work hard. One day, when Katie and Star are gathering honey, they meet a girl named Eliza. Eliza is being washed downstream, and Katie and Star rush to save her. ".... water lapped at the girl's head. Quickly I reached her. Her eyes met mine and then flicked upward to Katie who yelled to her, `Take my hand!'" It turns out Eliza is a runaway slave who is trying to get back to her mom and dad. Katie creates a plan to help Eliza, but slave catchers get in the way. You'll feel on edge as the slave catchers close in. You will wonder if Eliza will make it home or if the slave catchers will find her. This is a good story and I highly recommend it. Reviewed by Shelby Roberson 5th Grade Student Villalovoz Elementary, Tracy Join the adventures of Star, a curious Morgan horse, with his loving family from Vermont in the 1860's. With the help of his mother, Bell, and his young owner, Katie, Star soon adapts to the mysteries of his new life. But Star soon realizes that life isn't always play and joins the farm work his family does for a living. With his new friend, Katie, he gallops along the road of life. Alison Hart intrigues all readers with her heartwarming tale told from Star's of view. Alison Hart's masterpiece, Horse Diaries: Bell's Star, is the best horse story since Flicka. The detailed, realistic drawings by Ruth Sanderson draw readers in and bring the story to life. We recommend this kid-friendly book for its exiting and entertaining plot. From cantering through the muddy forest to saving an unexpected friend, this story is full of adventure. Be a part of the experience as Alison Hart and Ruth Sanderson lead you into Star's world. Reviewed by Sarah Whipple, Carly Adamson, and Mikayla Inuye Fifth Grade Phoebe Hearst Elementary, Sacramento