Starlight, Star Bright

11-year-old Miranda Stevens secretly trains Starlight, the 3-year-old black stallion, whose wounds have healed. Riding him on Mr. Taylor's race track, Miranda proves that he is the fastest horse Shady Hills Ranch has ever seen. But she must keep it secret. If his owner, Cash Taylor, finds out, he will keep enter him in races all over the country. If Starlight wins, he will become top sire on Mr.Taylor's ranch, which is famous for its black race horses. If that happens, Mr. Taylor will never let Miranda buy him. Not knowing that Miranda is already riding Starlight, who has recovered without a limp from his injuries, Mr. Taylor hires Adam Barber to train him. Starlight throws Adam and fights him every step of the way until Adam declares he is spoiled beyond hope. Miranda dares to hope that he may yet be hers someday. But when Mr. Taylor hires expert horse trainer, Buck Brannaman, her hopes fall again. The final test will be Starlight's first race.

Author biography:

Author Janet Muirhead Hill brings a heart full of love to these books, conveying her deep affection and concern for children and her experience and connection with horses. With this passion for children, Janet draws on her humble beginnings to depict both the joys and the struggles children face in adapting to the changes around them. Growing up on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains, Janet’s young life revolved around horses. Family has always been important to her, and she devotes much of her time to her grandchildren. Writing for children everywhere, she bases the many adventures of young Miranda Stevens on her experiences and those of her children and grandchildren. Janet’s novels have earned nationwide critical acclaim and nomination for several awards. Miranda and Starlight, Revised edition won a Writers Notes Notable Award. Most recently, Starlight Shines for Miranda was awarded Best Books 2004 for Young Adults by USA Book News. Janet has co-written the screenplay for a feature film based on her books. Most rewarding of all is the enthusiastic response from children who say her books have made an important difference in their lives. She treasures letters and e-mails from readers, as well as talking with fans at school visits and public presentations. She makes it a point to personally reply to each person who contacts her. Janet edits and produces a newsletter/forum for survivors of child abuse and is an advocate for child abuse prevention. She writes from her rural Montana home which she shares with her husband and her granddaughter, Jayme. With three of her children and five grandchildren nearby, three horses, and other pets to care for, Janet’s life is busy and fulfilling.