Dante of the Maury River

Gr 4–7—Dante's Inferno comes from a long line of strong and fast thoroughbreds. Expectations are high that he will prove to be just as adept on the racetrack. But while Dante has speed, he has difficulty trusting humans and other horses and quickly earns a reputation for being troublesome. Despite the best efforts of his mother and the few humans he has bonded with, Dante seems destined to be a disappointment. He continues to be shipped around to new places and eventually ends up at Maury River Stables, a horse-riding school where he forms a fragile bond with human Ashley. Will the bond ever be strong enough for Dante to see success? The plot is long on horse-show terminology but short on action. Readers may have trouble getting into the story due to its slow pacing. Give this to horse enthusiasts only.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY