Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James

Smoky, the Cowhorse takes readers on an exciting journey through the rugged landscapes and adrenaline-filled events of the American West. Through the perspective of Smoky, a unique mouse-colored cowhorse, the story captures the essence of ranch life, from the vast open range to the intense rodeo arena. The narrative is rich with the sights, sounds, and emotions of the wild west, offering a vivid and immersive experience for young readers. /n/n Written for grades 6-9, this book is not just an adventure story but also an educational journey into the life of a cowhorse. It provides insights into the training, skills, and bond between horses and their riders, making it a compelling read for animal lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Reviews

Rebecca Reads · Rebecca Reid · 2024-04-23

compelling 3.75

Although the book contains themes of animal death and abuse, it effectively uses cowboy dialect to create a compelling narrative. The story evokes strong emotions and would likely appeal to young readers.

Rebecca Reid notes that Smoky the Cowhorse is an animal book that doesn't shy away from tough themes like animal death and abuse. However, the use of cowboy dialect adds a unique charm to the story, making it more engaging. The narrative effectively evokes strong emotions, particularly in the bond between Smoky and Clint. Despite the heavy themes, the story is likely to appeal to young readers who enjoy adventure and emotional depth.

Quick quotes

Although Smoky the Cowhorse is an animal book, it does share a little bit of animal death and abuse, so animal lovers need to be aware of this.

I like that it was written in cowboy dialect.

The author made me really care for Smoky and Clint.

Amy Rogers Hays · Amy Rogers Hays · 2014-06-12

engaging 4.00

Smoky the Cowhorse is a lively western horse tale filled with action and vivid descriptions of cowboy life. The story effectively captures the spirit of the open range and the bond between Smoky and Clint.

Amy Rogers Hays finds Smoky the Cowhorse to be an engaging and action-packed western tale. The story is brought to life with vivid descriptions of the cowboy world, including horse fights, cattle stampedes, and encounters with wild animals. The bond between Smoky and Clint is particularly well-developed, making the characters relatable and endearing. The use of cowboy dialect adds authenticity to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

Smoky is a fun western horse tale, with a vivid cowboy world, and a lot of action: horse fights, cattle stampedes, bucking broncos, wolves, coyotes, cow ...

The author made me really care for Smoky and Clint.

Kids today would actually like reading it.

Rarest Kind of Best · 2014-02-20

intense 3.50

The book is intense due to its themes of violence and melancholy, making it more suitable for older readers. The vivid descriptions and emotional depth add to its overall impact.

The reviewer from Rarest Kind of Best highlights the intensity of Smoky the Cowhorse, noting that the themes of violence and melancholy make it less suitable for younger readers. The story's vivid descriptions and emotional depth, particularly in the scenes of Smoky's decline, add a layer of complexity that older readers will appreciate. The narrative's emotional impact is significant, making it a memorable read for those who can handle its darker elements.

Quick quotes

Because of the violence and the melancholy scenes of Smoky's decline, this book is a little too intense for younger readers.

Luckily, however, the vivid descriptions and emotional depth add to its overall impact.

The narrative's emotional impact is significant.

Appears in Lists

Books of the West: Top 10 Cowboy Reads