The Wild One (Phantom Stallion #1) - Softcover

Grade 4-7-Sam, 13, returns to Nevada after a two-year absence in San Francisco where she was recovering from a head injury caused when she was thrown from her horse. She wonders what happened to Blackie, who ran away after the accident. After several encounters with the wild mustangs, she realizes that the beautiful stallion that she has seen is her horse but she doesn't think anyone will believe her. Unfortunately, one of her neighbors is determined to capture the stallion, now called the Phantom, and Sam knows that she has to save Blackie from this ambitious and uncaring rancher. In the end, she rescues him but sets him free because she realizes that he would never be happy in captivity. Sam is a likable and believable character whose determination and sensitivity will be appreciated by horse lovers. There is a fair amount of suspense and adventure as she tracks Blackie and his mares. Sam's relationship with her father is well drawn, and there is an interesting mixture of characters. This story has enough action to make it an entertaining read for fans of this genre.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
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