Okay, if you enjoyed The Outsiders, you'll probably enjoy this book. It's very boy-centered, very realistic, and very tough. The author even has initials like S.E. Hinton! (Also, S.R. Rottman is a girl, too!)Sean is a 15 year old who is frequently in trouble - in school and out of school. His father is absent, and his mother is an emotionally and physically abusive drunk. After getting picked up by the police for trouble-making, Sean must complete community service at a farm owned by Mr. H. On Sean's first day there, he must help Mr. H with a difficult labor and delivery of a foal - a foal that Sean names Knickers. The foal's mother instantly rejects her baby, and Knickers must be bottle fed and kept away from his mother. Sean makes an instant connection with this young horse, and his attitude about his community service begins to change. While Sean finds purpose in his work at the farm, his mother's abusiveness escalates.
At first, this felt very programmed. However, the story goes to an unexpected place in the last few chapters, and that definitely improved the story a great deal. And while this story is a great companion to The Outsiders, it doesn't capture the deft characterization that SE Hinton manages (even though she was only 15!). (Also, I must mention that sometimes SE Hinton's characterization DEFINITELY shows her youth! Like the overly detailed descriptions of physical appearance!) It also doesn't make the characters nearly as lovable. But for fans of The Outsiders, I would very much recommend this book!
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