62 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
304
Novel • Fiction
1860s
2021
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Middle grade
10-14 years
740L
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
8,753 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
8,753 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pa (Martin Bird/Mac Boat)
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.
Mama (Elsa Bird, née Morrow)
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.
Mittenwool (John Hills)
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.
The Counterfeiting Ring (Roscoe Ollerenshaw, Rufe Jones, and Seb and Eben Morton)
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.
Pony
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.
Marshal Enoch Farmer
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.
Sheriff Desimonde Chalfont
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.
Deputy Jack Beautyman
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.
304
Novel • Fiction
1860s
2021
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Middle grade
10-14 years
740L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.