Saving Bluestone Belle

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 144 pages
• Published by: Diamond Star Press October 24, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0977433536
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0977433537
• Book Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 4.8 ounces

Product Description
Saving Bluestone Belle is a rollicking adventure about Homer Easton, a quirky ten year old who sets out from his California home on a perilous journey to rescue his beloved albino mare, Bluestone Belle, from horse thieves. Along the way, he discovers the horrific reason why 'Blue' was taken and that he himself is in grave danger! Whether he's tracking Blue across desert and sea or infiltrating the horse-nappers' fortress, Homer's very life depends on his ability to outfox his terrifying opponents. Can Homer marshal his unique strengths to save his own life and rescue Blue? Animal lovers of all ages will treasure this tale about an endangered horse. Kids will love the breathless pace and surprising twists and turns. They'll laugh out loud at the madcap predicaments Homer gets himself into, and cheer him on as he proves himself an unlikely hero. With ten full-page illustrations that capture the most dramatic moments, Saving Bluestone Belle tells a heartwarming story that inspires young readers to be the best they can be.

Reader Reviews
Young Homer Easton's world crumbled around him when his parents divorced and his horse Benny Two Shoes died. Homer vicariously lived a life through the "Lone Ranger." A whiz at computers, Homer set up an online company to sell Western paraphernalia. For his tenth birthday his father presented Homer with a magnificent white horse to replace Benny Two Shoes. The horse was repossessed due to a misunderstanding at the bank. Two desperado type characters loaded Bluestone Belle into their truck and hauled her away. The story revolves around Homer, Dr. Willoughby, his psychiatrist, Joe, his personal trainer, and Maria, the family maid, and their efforts to save Bluestone Belle from a band of criminals. Narrow escapes, thrilling chases, and death defying risks keep the reader in suspense throughout this fast paced adventure story, for kids, ages 9-12. The characters are zany and loveable. Maria's frequent use of Spanish phrases gives the story an added dimension. The illustrations by Mike Bitz are clever and expressive. The author has demonstrated an uncanny sense of understanding of this age group in her choice of vocabulary in both the narrative and in the dialog of her characters. Young readers will identify with Homer's sense of loneliness as his parents choose career and freedom instead fulfilling parental roles. Romantic innuendos give promise to reconciliation when Homer is kidnapped while attempting to save Bluestone Belle. This dramatic adventure story is an excellent choice for the classroom, for family night reading, and holds potential for an award winning family film. An excellent read for the whole family.