Mystery Horse
#3 of 5 in Horses of Oak Valley Ranch Series
on Goodreads (587)
What’s inside...
Samantha, a young girl, spends her summer at a Nevada ranch where she encounters a mysterious horse with supernatural qualities. She tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the horse and learns about friendship, courage, and the plight of wild horses in the West. Meanwhile, Abby Lovitt works at her family's ranch and encounters True Blue, a dapple grey horse whose owner was killed in a car crash. As Abby bonds with True Blue, she discovers the horse is haunted by its past and its previous owner's whispers, leading her to uncover more about the horse's history and their connection.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the horse in the story mysterious? How did that change throughout the book?
How did the characters' feelings about the horse develop? Can you relate to any character's journey?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation? Why?
What lessons did the characters learn about trust and friendship?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something surprising, just like the characters did with the mystery horse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own mystery animal and ask them to describe it.
Discuss the importance of trust and friendship as portrayed in the book, relating it to your child's personal experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, fostering their creativity and reasoning.
Connect the story to real-life examples of mysterious discoveries or adventures they might have heard about or experienced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Mystery Horse', the protagonist takes on the responsibility of caring for a horse. This task teaches them the importance of regular commitments.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being responsible involves caring for others and managing daily tasks, which can be applied to chores, homework, and relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The main characters face their fears when dealing with unknown elements and difficult obstacles. Their bravery in overcoming fears is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own fears and challenges in school or social settings with bravery and determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show understanding and compassion towards the horse's situation, reflecting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to understand the feelings of others and offer support, promoting empathy in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Mystery Horse', characters must solve the mystery, which includes critical thinking and decision-making.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use logical thinking and creativity to solve problems they encounter in academics or personal life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the protagonist persists in their quest to help the horse, showcasing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill.