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Pony

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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R. J. Palacio

Pony

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

1860s

Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

740L

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Super Short Summary

In the mid-19th century Ohio town of Boneville, 12-year-old Silas Bird sets off on a journey to rescue his kidnapped father. Accompanied by his teenage ghost companion Mittenwool, a magical pony, and a mysterious US Marshal, Silas navigates through real-life and supernatural challenges, uncovering truths about love, loss, and self-discovery along the way. The book includes descriptions of violence and death.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Emotional

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

8,753 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

R. J. Palacio's Pony offers a compelling adventure with well-drawn characters and a touching narrative. Readers praise its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. Some, however, find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt tale that resonates with both younger and older audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pony?

Readers who enjoyed the heartfelt journey in Wonder will be captivated by Pony by R. J. Palacio. Targeting middle-grade readers, this historical adventure appeals to fans of Ghost by Jason Reynolds and Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, blending emotional depth with a compelling narrative.

4.4

8,753 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Silas Bird

A 12-year-old boy who is intelligent, curious, and loving, with the unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts. His journey involves physical adventures and emotional development as he discovers more about himself and the world around him.

Silas's father, a talented bootmaker and inventor known for creating irontypes. He remains dedicated to raising Silas and protecting him from the world's dangers while concealing a mysterious past.

Silas's late mother, whose memory and unseen influence continue to inspire and guide Silas and Pa. Her presence is felt through her love and the connections she creates.

Silas's steadfast ghostly companion who acts like an older sibling or parental figure, providing comfort and assistance. Known to Silas since childhood, he is uniquely connected to both Silas and the supernatural elements of the story.

A group engaged in illegal activities, with Roscoe Ollerenshaw as the leader, known for their involvement in a string of crimes. The members include the morally conflicted Mortons and Rufe Jones, each contributing to the story's conflicts.

A perceptive and seemingly magical pony who becomes Silas's loyal companion. With a keen sense of direction and emotional intelligence, Pony aids Silas on his journey.

A US Marshal who aids Silas in his quest to find his father. Though brusque and skeptical of the supernatural, Farmer becomes a crucial ally with a personal connection to the outlaws.

The capable and caring sheriff of Rosasharon who helps Silas after his father's disappearance. He offers guidance, protection, and an eventual home for Silas.

A tough and initially skeptical police officer who helps Silas uncover the truth about his father's capture. Though initially dismissive, he comes to understand and accept the unusual aspects of Silas’s world.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

1860s

Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

740L

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