The Warhorse

by Don Bolognese

Book Overview

"Your training in arms is to be used only for our work here in the armory; I will never allow you to go to war. Never!" Lorenzo felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. Fifteen-year-old Lorenzo... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689854587
• ISBN13: 9780689854583
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

I love books about knights!

I really liked this book. i always like books about knights. if you read this book and don't acutally think about it, it's not very good. it's not really about a war, it's really about a boy learning about loyalty. it's really about a boy following his dream, yet not upsetting his dad. over all, this is a really good book.

one of the best adventures for young people

THE WARHORSE was one of the best adventures for young people I have ever read. It combined action, romance, life lessons and family relations in ways that any parent would approve and any kid would enjoy reading. In a world of video game violence and quick fixes to teenage restlessness, this book shows what patience, honesty and occasionally breaking the rules for the right reasons can do for a boy trying to find his way in the world. By using the Lorenzo's sketchbook as the basis for the illustrations, I was free to imagine the scenes on my own, while learning more about the period and the background of the characters. I would compare THE WARHORSE favorably to Johnny Tremaine, a true classic of the genre. Despite the fact that both boys dream of going to war, neither book has a pro-war message. In fact, Lorenzo follows his heart into a very peaceful life. The lessons that are taught are presented as realistic choices that any young man faces, not just as things that only happen to Lorenzo or only happened during the renaissance. They also don't come across as lessons, which will be a relief to the young readers who can just enjoy a great story.

Praise from a Teacher

I read this book aloud to my fourth graders and they loved it! At least once a day I would hear from them...Can you read The Warhorse today? They thought it was a thrilling adventure story, and at the same time they enjoyed learning about what life was like during the Italian Renaisance. I would highly recommend this book not only for children, but for adults as well. It is a wonderfully written story that readers of all ages will surely enjoy. Bravo, Don Bolognese, bravo!

The Warhorse

Don Bolognese has presented the romance of art and war placed in Renaissance Italy with exciting text and detailed illustrations. Hidden between the lines and behind the words the author has successfully described the ever present conflict of adolescent immediate gratification versus adulthood. It's absorbing and wishful, even lusty yet presenting the youthful reader with history while reassuring him/her that time can place us back on the right track, whatever and wherever that may be.