The Spirit Horse

This is my second time reading *Spirit Horse* and I have to say I was so not disappointed. The first time I read it, I skimmed over it because I wanted to read the action and adventure and didn't really care much for the details. But this time when I read it, I read everything and it gave me such a clear picture. This is a must read for everyone because it's soo good. Running Crane was chosen to go along with Wolf Eagle's war party and it is a great honor to be chosen. But the bad thing is that Weasel Rider was also chosen to go along with the party. Running Crane doesn't like Weasel Rider because Weasel Rider always taunt Running Crane about how he wasn't able to ride a horse. (Everytime Running Crane rides a horse, the horse throws him off) Running Crane doesn't like the taunts and he dreams about this great spirit horse which runs very fast and is magnificent. So Wolf Eagle and the party goes to steal horses and during their journey to travel to the Snake People's land (their enemy), Running Crane has to endure Weasel Rider's taunts. When they arrive, they hear how there's this great horse and if fits the description of Running Crane's great horse. They go to steal horses but something goes wrong and Running Crane is separated from the party. Now it is up to Running Crane to survive the wilderness and to tame that great horse, that was let loose during their mission. This book is a must read because it holds a lot of knowledge and sense. I think everyone would enjoy this book!!! I know I have enjoyed it. ^_^ ~ Izzy

Ned Ackerman has succeeded in telling a credible tale. The young reader (and adult ones like myself) are pulled in quickly to the challenge ahead of our young protagonist. Spririt Horse is less a horse story and one of how a boy finds courage and grows; the charcters are beliveable, the adventure compelling. It made me want to be a kid again.

Spirit Horse, by Ned Ackerman, is a refreshing addition to the world of books for young readers. The protagonist, Running Crane, faces, in the world of the Native American plains, the same sorts of dilemmas and choices that arise with coming of age in any society: questions of self-worth in the face of ridicule, peer pressure, the inward search and how it relates to the outside world. But in spite of its conceptual depth, this book is a delight for its vivid characterization, its can't-put-it-down plot, and its authenticity. Mr. Ackerman has done his research well, and tells a fine tale.

This was one of the best boks I've ever read. And since I've read a WHOLE lot, thats a great piece of praise. Running Crane is a Siksika whose father had been killed. His mother marries into the Kainaa Tribe. Running Crane is chosen to come on a horse raid on the Snake People. Weasel Rider, another Kainaa youth also going on the horse raid, teases Running Crane about having no medisine and not being able to stay on a horse. When Running Crane is seperated from the horse raid. He encountars a beautiful Spirit Horse. Will Running Crane Be abe to achieve his dream and tame the wild Spirit Horse? Find out and READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! It is STUPENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was swept right into the story -- it moves that quickly. A wonderful debut.