It is said that if you’re struck by lighting there is no way to survive nature’s electricity, but 12 yr old Silas Bird can prove otherwise. After such as event, an imprint of an oak tree is imprinted on Silas’ Back.

Silas’ brush with nature inspires his father to learn more about the science of photography – developing his own methods at night whilst being a bootmaker by day. Martin Bird is a learned fellow, with an incredible memory – reading a book once and knowing it from cover to cover. He is his son’s world, and when 3 armed men arrive in the dead of night demanding Martin go with them, Silas wants to go too. Told to stay home (and safe) Silas hates watching his father disappear into the night.

Silas isn’t alone though. Ever since he can remember, he has had Mittenwool by his side. Mittenwool is around 16, is calm, kind and careful and just happens to be a ghost. Silas’ father accepted this long ago, but other children of their little town of Boneville taunted Silas mercilessly. After all, it is 1860 and any such nonsense is not to be tolerated.

With Mittenwool’s company, Silas tries to keep busy while he waits for his father to return. When he sees a strange looking pony not far from the house he sees it as a sign to find his father. This pony, Silas and Mittenwool set off to look for Martin Bird, all three different in their own way.

Silas’ ability to see the dead is nearly his downfall on his travels through dark woods and swampy bogs. He joins a grizzled, grouchy Federal Marshall looking for his own criminals with Mittenwool alongside.

Worried for his father, hiding Mittenwool’s existence and long weary days, allow much thinking time. He thinks of his mother who died when he was born. Why can’t he see her ghost. Where did Mittenwool come from? Why has he always been there? Why did Pony turn up at his house, and how can he be so in-tune with Silas, when he has never ridden a horse in his life before?

Silas, Mittenwool, the Marshall and Pony are soon in a life-or-death battle with bullets and accusations flying, resulting in a new way of life, family met and a life-long mystery solved.

Pony is a key piece throughout Silas’ journey into his past and towards his future.

From the author of the astounding tale of Auggie Pullman in Wonder, Pony is set well over a century before, in 1860. Main character Silas is an odd 12 yr old to most, able to see ghosts and home-schooled by his genius father. His language is sophisticated for a 12 yr old but his life skills are lacking, making him all the more interesting, and one to root for.

The mystery of ghost Mittenwool is intriguing and the western feel of shootouts, armed horsemen and courageous lawmen is page-turning stuff. Broken up into 11 sections with small chapters within each, it is so easy to read.

At the beginning of each section are actual daguerreotypes (a photo without a negative – ‘a one-time only keepsake’) which inspired some of the characters.

A historical tale of adventure, love, and courage with a swirl of the supernatural within.

Sure to be a hit with 10+ readers and now out in Paperback.

Author – R J Palacio

Age – 10+

Find Teacher’s Notes here

Paperback Cover – 2023

(2021, Penguin, Western, 1860, Historical, Family, Love, Ghost, Supernatural, Paranormal, Gunfight, Courage, Horse, Pony, Animal, Sheriff, Deputy, Counterfeit, Crime, Posse, Mystery, Action, Adventure)