Moonsilver (Unicorn's Secret Series) »

Kathleen Duey's works include the middle grade series American Diaries and Survival, and the well-reviewed chapter book series The Unicorn's Secret, with a companion series, The Faeries' Promise, launching in Summer 2010 on the Aladdin list. She lives in Fallbrook, California.

Heart Trilby has no family. She lives a hard and lonely life in the dusty village of Ash Grove — until she finds a scarred, skinny mare in the forest. Against the wishes of her guardian, mean-spirited Simon Pratt, Heart adopts the mare and names her Avamir. Heart is thrilled when she realizes Avamir is in foal. But when the colt is born weak and disfigured, Simon decides to sell Heart's beloved horses to be slaughtered by the town's soapmaker. Can Heart find a way to protect them — and the only love she has ever known?

Children's Literature

Heart Avamir lives a hard life in which she works barefoot in wheat and barley fields in a small poor town called Ash Grove. She discovers a sick and bruised mare one day, far away in the fields. After Heart lovingly nurtures the horse back to health, Heart's caretaker, Simon, is intent on selling the animal to the local soapmaker. When that dreaded day arrives, Heart takes off with the horse and its colt, Moonsilver, and flees into the dark, cold night. Determined to protect her charges, Heart discovers something amazing about the animals during her difficult journey. This book is the first in this fantasy quartet. Expressive black line art adorns several pages. The stark lines seem to reflect the harshness of the girl's condition and dilemma. The Unicorn's Secret #1. 2001, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, $3.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Adjoa J. Burrowes