What an imaginative and brilliant book. Very unique and I am still in awe as to how the author was able to create this beautiful story. There is a real lack of strong older middle-grade books but this definitely is the perfect addition to this sparse category.

When Silas Bird wakes in the dead of night, he watches powerlessly as three strangers take his father away. Silas is left shaken, scared and alone, except for the presence of his companion, Mittenwool . . . who happens to be a ghost. But then a mysterious pony shows up at his door, and Silas knows what he has to do. So begins a perilous journey to find his father - a journey that will connect him with his past, his future, and the unknowable world around him.

A wonderfully written book about love, kindness and the journey Silas goes on .

An absolutely wonderful read!

Silas Bird is 12 years old and living alone with his father, when one evening his father is taken away by three men against his will.

In the morning a Pony appears and Silas decides the best thing to do is to go in search of his father.

Setting off with nothing more than the Pony, a ghostly friend and his late mother’s violin, he embarks on a life changing journey.

A wonderful tale of love, loss, friendship and the understanding that those who are no longer with us, never really leave us.

I read this thanks to NetGalley as an advanced copy and hadn’t rushed into starting it. I was initially attracted to this book as my children had read Wonder and enjoyed it and I wanted to see if this would be a good read for them. At first, as I read the initial pages I was slightly put off as it had a Western feel to it, a genre I usually hate. I am so glad I kept going. The novel is utterly beautiful and contains so many different ideas and fantastic moments all woven together in a neat story so you’d almost be forgiven for not noting how complex the writing is. This book is at once exciting and heartbreaking; perfect for children and adults alike (and you don’t need a child with you to excuse your enjoyment!)

The characters are well plotted and realistic and there was some really complicated research that is explained clearly without any sense of being patronising. I am ready to go out and buy a copy for anyone and everyone I know who has a birthday this year! It is rare I start a book intending for a casual read and find myself hooked and filled with awe and (sorry…) wonder. This will stay with me for a long time and I was really sad once I raced to the end that it was over. I can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy. I very rarely give five stars in reviews but this is much deserved.

Pony seems a radical departure from Palaccio’s Wonder, which I loved and enjoy teaching.

It’s historical fiction, of a setting and genre (mid 19th century American, outlaws, horses, ghosts) I’m not normally drawn to. 12 year old Silas’ father is kidnapped by a gang of counterfeiters and he sets out to find him accompanied only by his mysterious imaginary friend/ghost Mittenwool and Pony, the horse which escapes from the gang.

It did take me a while to get into the story, probably but about a third of the way in I was hooked, and didn’t want it to end. In the author’s note Palaccio outlines a backstory for two of the characters who appear in the second half of the novel, a sheriff and his deputy, noting that this was unnecessary to the plot, but she really liked them as characters. I too could have read much more about them, or about Silas’ later life, or his father’s mysterious past.

These characters were the strengths of the novel for me, but I feel other readers will enjoy other aspects, like the ghosts, the outlaws etc. more than I did.

I loved this book! I found myself slowing down over the last few chapters because I did not want it to end, always a sign of an enjoyable book. Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House and the author for the chance to read this in advance, in return for an honest review.
The story is told from the point of view of Silas Bird, a 12-year-old boy who lives alone with his Pa at the edge of the woods in nineteenth century America. His mother died when he was born, Silas was struck by lightning and recovered - and his best friend is the ghost of an older boy called Mittenwool.
His Pa, Martin Bird, is an inventor, a pioneer in photography. One night three armed men arrive to take them away so that his Pa’s talents can help their sinister boss. His Pa shows a steely side when he only agrees to go with them if they leave his son behind and he orders Silas to remain in the house until he returns.
The next day, the fine pony the men had brought to collect Silas returns to the house alone. Silas takes it as a sign that he must follow his Pa and somehow save him, though this means entering the dark woods…
The adventure that follows is full of twists and turns, reminisces and excitement that unravel the mystery of why Silas Bird was taken, and on a deeper level our connections to each other. It is beautifully written with many tender passages that show the love shared by father and son. The use of old photographs and quotes of verse at the beginning of some chapters was a bonus – I always love looking at old photographs and wondering about the lives the people led back then and it seems the author does too. R J Palacio takes us on a lyrical journey with this story to show us something of the world these people lived in, what they may have experienced or believed, all the while charting Silas Bird’s courageous journey to adulthood. It is a very moving book with a satisfying ending.
In all, it is a ghost Western with a heart, has vibes of the film the Sixth Sense crossed with Shane, and I would recommend to young adults and older adults alike!

Pony is a historical adventure story set in nineteenth-century America. Silas, an introverted boy, lives with his father. His father's abduction threatens his happiness, and he finds the courage to search for him with the help of his friends.

This is a vividly described adventure story with human antagonists and supernatural elements. It shows the power of friendship and love. Silas' world is intricate and full of vibrant imagery that draws the reader into the story. It is aimed at the young reader but has appeal for older readers too.

I received a copy of this book from Puffin Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I adored this book from the start. It grabbed attention and kept you guessing. The characters were very likeable and I loved the way the story progressed. No spoilers, but the ending was great. A lot of action to keep my attention. Will definitely recommend this book to young and old.

A wonderful story that seems to hover between the living and the dead to the extent that you don't actually know who is indeed alive. I tried to encourage my 10 year old to read it as he has been reading wonder at school, but sadly he wouldn't, so I did instead and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has ghosts, gunmen, adventures and loving family so will tick a lot of boxes for young readers. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

I loved this book so much, it was brilliantly written and I just loved the old style pictures they really added to the enjoyment of the book. Giving it that period details made you really feel like you were part of the past and got you in the mood for reading it. Its also giving an insight to the child of what is was like in the past. I loved the mystery around most of the characters. I started reading this to my 9 year old daughter but I soon realised she wasn't getting into the book but I was so I read it myself. I would of thought this book was more orientated to the young adult aged 12 and up, but adults like me will love it aswell. The adventure aspect of this book was amazing and it grabbed me and I wanted to read more. Its a great book for those who do reading challenges and need a book for a coming of age story. Its also great for a western book. I loved the fact that the book had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. There was plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. Its a page turner which I just could not put down. I connected well with the characters as there was plenty of detail that made you love or hate them. There was a great sense of atmosphere with this story. I love stories with tension that whats going to happen next or what will he do next. The ending was super brilliant but I'm not going to give anything away. Thanks to the author and publishers for bringing this tremendous book to life for us all to enjoy. Also posted the reviews on amazon, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo and goodreads and my blog

https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/pony-by-r-j-palacio-penguin-children-5-stars

I really enjoyed this story - it was not what I had been expecting.

Silas goes on a journey to rescue his father with only a ghost as his companion and a pony to guide him. His father is taken away by a group of counterfeiters leaving his son behind to wait for him to return. After the arrival of Pony, Silas makes the decision to find his father. He has the ability to see ghosts and is forced to face his fears in the woods where he comes across a Marshall who agrees to let him accompany him as he follows the outlaws.

At times harrowing but fundamentally a story of hope and love.

A beautiful story. Read in one sitting.

Lovely well written book, full of adventure and beautiful characters. Warm and kindness flowing through out the characters , with a beautiful adventure. Highly recommend the book.

This is the new novel from the author of Wonder. I have to say I thought that author was a man, but I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because she writes so well as male characters.

It’s technically categorised as middle school age. I really enjoyed it though, it’s a specific type of kids book which doesn’t patronise or pander, and actually was quite frightening in parts. They are the best books I remember from growing up like Watership Down or Little House on the Prairie.

Silas lives with his Dad in a hut in late Wild West America, along with their old dog Argos and Silas’ ghostly best friend, Mittenwool. One day, some men come at night and kidnap SIlas’ Dad, so he sets out on a mission to save him. With Mittenwool at his side and the strangely marked Pony they left behind, he has to cross gorges and go through forests, meeting and avoiding people along the way.

Silas isn’t really alone, as he can see other ghosts around him. Sometimes this is good (like with Mittenwool) and sometimes it’s not – like when he needs to get through the forest in the dark, which was the site of a battle and is full of dead people wandering around in their afterlife, looking for redemption.

Some of it is harsh – exactly as I remember books being at that age. Somehow it’s quite comforting, and I found myself rooting for Silas and Pony along the way.

The best stories are the ones who have characters you want to meet, and I wanted to meet everyone (well, nearly everyone) Silas is sensitive and clever, and full of courage.

I recommend this for fans books like Bridge to Terabithia, Whiskey When We’re Dry maybe August .

Thanks as always to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the DRC.

This was such a beautiful book - so well-written with characters that really came to life. Silas is such a beautiful character and his adventures are so well described. Highly recommended.

I loved Wonder and so did my children so this was always going to be a hard act to follow. What Palacio wisely does is writes a very different book and it's just about as successful!

Set in 1850's America, Pony is the story of a young boy called Silas and his ghost best friend Mittelwood who set out to rescue his kidnapped father. The story has a real magical quality to it and whilst I couldn't love it quite as much as Wonder it's a great book in itself.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
As a gruff somewhat grumpy Yorkshire man who turned 64 while reading this book I seriously doubt I am the target audience. However I loved it, well written and researched a beautiful story of love in all its many forms. Clever heart warming with brilliant characters throughout. In parts old fashioned western with shoot outs, part detective mystery, part paranormal ghost story, but always completely and utterly entertaining, engaging from first to last page. Poignant and sad at times that brought tears to these grumpy old eyes.
Totally recommended.

I was sent an advance proof copy of Pony by R. J. Palacio to read and review by NetGalley. I absolutely adored this book! So beautifully written and so tender, it tells the story of young Silas Bird and his quest to find his kidnapped father. The novel seems timeless and at once both real and ethereal. I will definitely be buying myself a physical copy of this book to keep for myself and will be recommending it from the rooftops!

I loved Wonder and so was looking forward to another book by the same author. Pony is very different but also has a central character of a boy who is different.
Set in 1860, Silas lives with his father in a semi remote cabin, his mother having died at his birth. Martin Bird, his father, is a photographer and also makes boots for a living and they live a quiet life together.
Silas has a secret. He can see spirits and has a constant companion, Mitterwool, who goes everywhere with him but who can't be seen by anyone else. His peers tease him for his differences and gradually he retreats to avoiding them.
Then one day some men appear demanding that Martin goes with them to make counterfeit money for a week. Reluctantly, to save his son, Martin agrees.
This story is about Silas looking for his dad. At the start, I wasn't sure whether I liked the story but warmed to it by the end

Silas lives with his father out of town. His only companion apart from his father is Mittenwool- who by the way is a ghost. When three men arrive one night & take his father at gunpoint his father tells him to stay where he is. Once the men have gone Silas is in a quandary. What is his father has escaped, what if he has fallen off a horse & is lying somewhere waiting to be rescued? When the pony with the white face that accompanied the men arrives outside the house Silas takes this as a sign he should go wherever the pony takes him. With just some food & the violin that was his mothers he sets off. Silas's quest mixes the wild West with ghost stories making the reader gallop along with him & Pony accompanied by the mysterious Mittenwool.

Having read & loved 'Wonder' I was drawn to 'Pony' to see if the author could capture the magic in a different setting- they definitely could! I loved the descriptions, the characters & the mystery. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this great book.

This is a nice story that I enjoyed and would recommend to pupils that I teach. I liked the writing style and look forward to more from this author.