If Wishes Were Horses

By Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

Book Overview

On a small Vermont farm in 1932, 12-year-old Lily constantly argues with her older sister, Emily. Into this combative atmosphere comes Great-Aunt Nell, who seems to understand both girls. But everything changes when in an act of revenge, Lily pushes Emily into a quarry. Soon afterward, Emily is diagnosed with polio and placed in an iron lung. Despite her intense sibling rivalry, Lily gives up what she most needs and loves -- her horse -- to help Emily, and by doing so makes a poignantly selfless gesture.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525464484
• ISBN13: 9780525464488
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Length: 131 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable, quick read

The touching prolog tells of the "ghost pains" suffered by a grandfather who lost a limb in the Civil War. Lily can't understand how he can claim to feel pain in his missing leg until she undergoes a loss of her own. Her older sister dies, but readers won't know that's going to happen until the end. The sibling rivalry described is right on target. This is a wonderful story for girls who enjoy sentimental, fast-paced fiction. Don't be turned off by the critics...sure the book tinges on melodramatic, but fourth, fifth and sixth grade girls (and this librarian) love the book! It will make you appreciate family and offers lots of opportunities for discussion.