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36 pages 1 hour read

The Red Pony

Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1933

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Book Brief

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John Steinbeck

The Red Pony

Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1933
Book Details
Pages

95

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Salinas Valley, California • 1930s

Topic
Publication Year

1933

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

810L

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Super Short Summary

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck is a coming-of-age novella set in the Salinas Valley, following young Jody Tiflin's life and experiences on his family's ranch. Through the stories "The Gift," "The Great Mountains," "The Promise," and "The Leader of the People," Jody learns about responsibility, loss, and the harsh realities of life, especially through his relationships with his family and animals. The book contains depictions of animal abuse and death.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

57,720 ratings

52%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Steinbeck's The Red Pony excels in its portrayal of rural American life and adolescent growth, drawing praise for its vivid imagery and emotional depth. However, its episodic structure and somber themes may not resonate with all readers. Overall, it remains a compelling, albeit poignant, exploration of youth and loss.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Red Pony?

Readers who enjoy The Red Pony by John Steinbeck typically appreciate coming-of-age stories, rural settings, and deep character studies. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or My Ántonia by Willa Cather might find similar appeal in Steinbeck's portrayal of a young boy's maturation and the complexities of life on a ranch.

3.9

57,720 ratings

52%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

95

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Salinas Valley, California • 1930s

Topic
Publication Year

1933

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

810L

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