Yatimah (Horse Diaries Series #6)

by Catherine Hapka, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator)

Overview

For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in the Arabian Desert in the ninth century, Yatimah is a black Arabian filly whose name means "orphan." She enjoys her life at the oasis, with sheep to tease, other foals to race, and the daughter of her Bedouin owner to take care of her. But when the colt who is her foster brother is stolen in a raid, Yatimah realizes her true birthright. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Arabian horses and Bedouin culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780375867194
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	01/11/2011
Series:	Horse Diaries Series , #6
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	53,370
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	840L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

CATHERINE HAPKA has written more than 150 books for children and young adults—many about horses, including Elska, the first book in the Horse Diaries series. A lifelong horse lover, she rides several times per week and appreciates horses of all breeds. She lives on a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which she shares with a horse, three goats, a small flock of chickens, and too many cats.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. Her favorite hobby is horseback riding. You can find out more at RuthSanderson.com.

Editorial Reviews

Yatimah knows she is no ordinary filly. Orphaned at birth, she is the daughter of Sarab, Nasr's favorite war mare. Her name even means "orphan." Raised by Jumanah, a nurse mare, Yatimah grows quickly and learns the ways of humans. She lives with Bedouins, a nomadic tribe who roam from oasis to oasis in search of food for their animals. Safiya, Nasr's daughter cares for Yatimah from the time she is born, trying to convince her father of the filly's abilities as a war mare. Nasr takes his men on a raid to obtain some lambs, goats, camels, and even horses. Yatimah does not understand why the humans must take from other humans. Jumanah explains that the humans must do this to increase their herds. Once she is old enough, Yatimah is put into training by Safiya's brother. She learns quickly and soon becomes worthy of a ride from Nasr. Initially Nasr is scornful of Yatimah's ability as a war mare, remembering only his love for Sarab. Soon Yatimah proves she is worthy of her place as a war mare by saving Nasr's life in a raid. Additional information about the Arab breed and Bedouin people is provided in an appendix. Hapka's story is told from the horse's viewpoint weaving in factual information and equine terms. Muted pencil drawings by noted horse illustrator Sanderson display Bedouin life and lively antics of Yatimah and her herd. Young equestrians will surely enjoy this book in the "Horse Diaries" series. Reviewer: Nancy Baumann

Children's Literature - Nancy Baumann