Willow King: Race the Wind (Random House Riders) - Softcover

Platt, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679886583 ISBN 13: 9780679886587

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2002

Synopsis

Thanks to the faith and hard work of Katie Durham, Willow King no longer has badly twisted legs. After painstaking training, the colt has gained the strength to compete in major races–and Katie is determined to prove he’s a champion. Unfortunately, her new ambition presents her with the most nerve-racking challenge of her life:earning a jockey’s license and riding Willow King in the Kentucky Derby. This inspiring story, a sequel to the author’s award-winning first novel, is based on her real experiences as a jockey, groom, and assistant horse trainer.

About this title

From the Back Cover

“This sequel can be enjoyed by newcomers as well as prior fans. . . . The insights on characters and ethics are surprisingly detailed against the backdrop of a girl’s struggle with disability and career choices.”
–Children’s Bookwatch

“Katie is a likable and intelligent character. . . .The plot moves along at a good clip and the ending is not predictable. Readers who liked the first book will enjoy this one."
–School Library Journal

“This is an inspiring story–one that reinforces the theme that anyone who invests in a dream is a winner.”
–The Jackson Citizen Patriot

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-In this sequel to Willow King (Random, 1998), Katie Durham is once again faced with personal and equestrian dilemmas as her horse goes into training for the Kentucky Derby. Katie wants to do what is best to ensure that Willow King will win, but her greatest dream is to ride him herself. She has been training to be a jockey, but she's not sure she'll be ready to get her license in time for the big event. Her friend Jason is encouraging but is also concerned about her inexperience. Her old nemesis Cindy is still a pain. However, it is Mark, a new hotshot jockey, who causes her the most anguish. He wants to ride King and makes no bones about it. When not trying to sort out this problem, Katie befriends Camela, Cindy's young cousin who was blinded in an equestrian accident. With resilience and determination, Katie manages to make her dream come true and help Camela at the same time. Katie is a likable and intelligent character. Cindy, although still spoiled and egotistical, seems more multidimensional and interesting than in the first book. The plot moves along at a good clip and the ending is not predictable. Readers who liked the first book will enjoy this one.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0679886583
• ISBN 13: 9780679886587
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256