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Wind Dancer
Ali McCormick used to love horses. But then she and her beloved pony Max were in an accident; Ali was injured, Max died, and Ali's brother Danny, who caused the accident, joined the military. Now Danny has returned from Afghanistan, injured and traumatized. He's learning to walk with the prosthetic that has replaced one of his legs, but he can't seem to find a way to reconnect with family and friends. Withdrawn and quick to anger, Danny suffers from terrible nightmares and frightening mood changes.
When Ali and her friend Cara realize that an elderly neighbor has been neglecting her horses, they decide they have to act. Little does Ali realize that she'll end up having to help care for these two horses, who are starved and suffering from malnutrition. Can Ali rise above her painful memories and love a horse again? And can Wind Dancer, also injured and traumatized, help Danny find meaning in his life again?
When Ali and her friend Cara realize that an elderly neighbor has been neglecting her horses, they decide they have to act. Little does Ali realize that she'll end up having to help care for these two horses, who are starved and suffering from malnutrition. Can Ali rise above her painful memories and love a horse again? And can Wind Dancer, also injured and traumatized, help Danny find meaning in his life again?
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Chris Platt
31 books16 followersChris Platt is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including the popular horse novels Moon Shadow; Willow King and its sequel, Race the Wind; and many titles in the Thoroughbred juvenile fiction series.
She has a degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, and specializes in writing about horses. During her youth she worked as a jockey in Oregon (she was one of the first female jockeys in the state), and has been a life-long horse owner. Platt lives in Washoe Valley, Nevada.
She has a degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, and specializes in writing about horses. During her youth she worked as a jockey in Oregon (she was one of the first female jockeys in the state), and has been a life-long horse owner. Platt lives in Washoe Valley, Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 23, 2014
I’d like to thank Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very quick read, given that the book is only 176 pages long. For me, personally, that’s a short book. For middle-graders, especially those not in the habit of reading, is a nice length. Because this is such a short book, I felt like some relevant details were left out. For instance, the synopsis mentions that Ali, the main character, suffered an accident involving her horse, Max. However, not enough details were given about the accident. I finished the book without knowing what exactly happened in that accident, other than the fact that Ali broke her arm and Max had to be euthanized due to a bad break.
At the end, I also missed a bit of closure. There is a big event right before the end and I would have liked to see the ramifications of that. I didn’t get the sense that Wind Dancer would really be okay, or even Danny, Ali’s brother. I did thoroughly enjoy all the scenes revolving around the horses. The way they were portrayed was really thought out and worked to really push the idea that the two horses were in an extremely dire situation.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This was a very quick read, given that the book is only 176 pages long. For me, personally, that’s a short book. For middle-graders, especially those not in the habit of reading, is a nice length. Because this is such a short book, I felt like some relevant details were left out. For instance, the synopsis mentions that Ali, the main character, suffered an accident involving her horse, Max. However, not enough details were given about the accident. I finished the book without knowing what exactly happened in that accident, other than the fact that Ali broke her arm and Max had to be euthanized due to a bad break.
At the end, I also missed a bit of closure. There is a big event right before the end and I would have liked to see the ramifications of that. I didn’t get the sense that Wind Dancer would really be okay, or even Danny, Ali’s brother. I did thoroughly enjoy all the scenes revolving around the horses. The way they were portrayed was really thought out and worked to really push the idea that the two horses were in an extremely dire situation.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
February 13, 2014
I really liked this short young adult book, which is different from the usual horse-riding tale. A cantankerous elderly lady is failing to care for her two Appaloosa horses. She may be going senile. So Ali and Cara sneak into the barn one night and find the horses are thirsty and starved. Reporting the matter to Nevada animal control, the teenage girls hope not to get into trouble.
Ali McCormick doesn't want a horse after losing her beloved pony. Her older brother Danny came back from war in Iraq without a foot and is refusing to adapt and move forward with life. Their parents are kind and concerned, but busy. When Ali's parents and the Animal Control veterinarian park the Appaloosas in Ali's corral, the girl is told she'll need to restore them to health with a special feeding programme; and with lower immunity, they might get ill. She's only thirteen, and this seems like a lot of responsibility. The black one can't even manage to eat his alfalfa hay.
Naming the white mare Misty and the black gelding Wind Dancer cheers up Ali and her friend Cara, and they start refeeding the starved gentle horses. Danny even tries to help, not that he'll admit it. But nobody told Danny about the careful programme to follow, and he doesn't know that too much food can make the horses sick. Ali realises that the family has to communicate better if the horses - and Danny - are to be restored.
The two neglected Appys are very well portrayed and the reader wants to start feeding them herself. Ali is a convincing heroine, reluctant to upset her parents but determined to do what is right. Horse-crazy young adults will love this book and learn from it, while difficult family issues are gently addressed. The author Chris Platt was one of the first female jockeys in Oregon and she has written several other YA horse books. While they feature girls, I am sure that would not bother horse-mad boys.
Ali McCormick doesn't want a horse after losing her beloved pony. Her older brother Danny came back from war in Iraq without a foot and is refusing to adapt and move forward with life. Their parents are kind and concerned, but busy. When Ali's parents and the Animal Control veterinarian park the Appaloosas in Ali's corral, the girl is told she'll need to restore them to health with a special feeding programme; and with lower immunity, they might get ill. She's only thirteen, and this seems like a lot of responsibility. The black one can't even manage to eat his alfalfa hay.
Naming the white mare Misty and the black gelding Wind Dancer cheers up Ali and her friend Cara, and they start refeeding the starved gentle horses. Danny even tries to help, not that he'll admit it. But nobody told Danny about the careful programme to follow, and he doesn't know that too much food can make the horses sick. Ali realises that the family has to communicate better if the horses - and Danny - are to be restored.
The two neglected Appys are very well portrayed and the reader wants to start feeding them herself. Ali is a convincing heroine, reluctant to upset her parents but determined to do what is right. Horse-crazy young adults will love this book and learn from it, while difficult family issues are gently addressed. The author Chris Platt was one of the first female jockeys in Oregon and she has written several other YA horse books. While they feature girls, I am sure that would not bother horse-mad boys.
April 9, 2014
If you like horsey books, or even if you don’t, this short book has a lot to offer. The author does a great job of showing the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder from a young family member’s perspective. Ali knows her brother is not the same as when he went to war, but she’s not able to put a name to it right away. The reader will also see all the difficulties in trying to help abused and neglected animals.
March 11, 2014
This is a short and sweet book that is perfect for the younger reader. It covers difficult topics with sensitivity and offers good education about the problem Veterans often have coming home. I did find myself crying a few time as I really connected to the heartbreak of losing an animal and being afraid to love again.
April 13, 2022
The concept of a brother with PTSD and abused horses were interesting, but unfortunately, this missed the mark. Ali and Cara's friendship came across as, well, quite boring. Wow, Cara's so brave, she sToOd Up FoR hErSelF. Wow, such a great friend even though she also seems as flat as a cardboard box. Ouch. (-1 star)
Wind Dancer seemed to lack any personality even though he was a main character. Honestly, he seemed like a prop. He just mulled around boringly most of the time. (-1 star) There were some scenes that were sweet (Danny + WD) (+1 star)
Danny, well, Danny seemed a pessimist and gruff and....not much else. Well, to put it plainly, Danny seemed to care more about a horse than his own sister. I warmed up to him, though, and soon I liked him (+1 star) but I didn't love him. The only emotions I felt toward him was anger and pity. No connection-like-he's-sitting-right-next-to-me thing. (Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson achieves that. Go read it, it's great!)
THE GOOD:
- Misty
- The concepts
- Danny (later)
- Dr. Forrester
THE BAD:
- Jamie (Doctor's son)
- Ali and Cara's friendship
- Cara
- mom and dad
- Danny (earlier)
I liked it, but not so much. 3 out of 5 stars.
Wind Dancer seemed to lack any personality even though he was a main character. Honestly, he seemed like a prop. He just mulled around boringly most of the time. (-1 star) There were some scenes that were sweet (Danny + WD) (+1 star)
Danny, well, Danny seemed a pessimist and gruff and....not much else. Well, to put it plainly, Danny seemed to care more about a horse than his own sister. I warmed up to him, though, and soon I liked him (+1 star) but I didn't love him. The only emotions I felt toward him was anger and pity. No connection-like-he's-sitting-right-next-to-me thing. (Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson achieves that. Go read it, it's great!)
THE GOOD:
- Misty
- The concepts
- Danny (later)
- Dr. Forrester
THE BAD:
- Jamie (Doctor's son)
- Ali and Cara's friendship
- Cara
- mom and dad
- Danny (earlier)
I liked it, but not so much. 3 out of 5 stars.
June 29, 2025
Short & sweet children's book for younger readers, who probably won't mind the rushed timeline or limited character development as long as there are horses...even though the main character spends half the book brattily insisting she's not gonna emotionally bond with these horses, and the horses remain in pretty bad shape throughout the story, which ends before either make a full recovery from starvation. A sequel may have filled in some gaps, but alas, there isn't one.
August 6, 2024
I read a lot of books written for young people; most of them are quite good. This one was okay; I found the writing style more childish than most.
May 6, 2014
A profoundly poignant, heartrending tale that speaks to the soul with resounding sincerity
This beautiful book is a fitting respectful tribute to all those men and women of the armed forces who fight for our freedom and make great sacrifices, as well as their families who love them and keep home fires burning brightly. Covering controversial topics such as animal cruelty, family issues, and those emotional deep-rooted scars soldiers obtain Chris Platt is a fabulously fearless author. It is the kind of book that can be enjoyed by both the younger reader (as a simple story for all horse & pony mad children) to the adult reader, as you can draw from Ali and Cara’s story a deeper meaning and message.
…healing horses. Healing hearts
As a keen equestrian enthusiast and having been the pony-mad child whose addiction to stories such as ‘The Saddle Club’ (Bonnie Bryant), ‘Jinny’ series and ‘Canterwood Crest’ novels this story sparked an instant interest. I loved how Wind Dancer highlights the strong magical connection humans have with horses and how they do help to heal hearts (…reminiscent of “Heartland” series). As a firm believer in ‘Natural Horsemanship’/ intelligent horsemanship/ whispering or any kind of technique which places emphasis on the horse-human understanding of communication, I found this story appropriate and of great appeal.
‘…she watched proudly as Danny walked Wind Dancer into his pen. The gelding was so tired he could barely make it, but he managed to nuzzle her brother’s shoulder as he was taking off his halter…
‘to new beginnings!’ Ali agreed’
- Quote
This unforgettable, haunting horse story is one that tugs at the heartstrings and fills you with not only a sense of fulfilment and warmth but hope, through an acute insight into PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that’s so evocatively captured on the page. I found the well-developed characters interesting, adding another layer of depth to the substantial storyline and so it was an engrossing, compelling read. When 13 Year old Ali rescues two abused horses and cares for them, I felt inwardly moved and personally pulled into the plot as her brother returns home from the war with the fervent intensity and thought-provoking nuance accentuated.
Targeted towards the younger reader/ middle-grade this exceptionally well-written, truth-drawing story is a memorable tale of impressive magnitude. Definitely an unputdownable, gripping read that’s a welcome edition to the horse lover’s bookshelf.
*I would like to thank Chris Platt for providing me with a signed, hardback copy of her book ‘Wind Dancer’ to read & provide an honest, non-biased review on. *
This beautiful book is a fitting respectful tribute to all those men and women of the armed forces who fight for our freedom and make great sacrifices, as well as their families who love them and keep home fires burning brightly. Covering controversial topics such as animal cruelty, family issues, and those emotional deep-rooted scars soldiers obtain Chris Platt is a fabulously fearless author. It is the kind of book that can be enjoyed by both the younger reader (as a simple story for all horse & pony mad children) to the adult reader, as you can draw from Ali and Cara’s story a deeper meaning and message.
…healing horses. Healing hearts
As a keen equestrian enthusiast and having been the pony-mad child whose addiction to stories such as ‘The Saddle Club’ (Bonnie Bryant), ‘Jinny’ series and ‘Canterwood Crest’ novels this story sparked an instant interest. I loved how Wind Dancer highlights the strong magical connection humans have with horses and how they do help to heal hearts (…reminiscent of “Heartland” series). As a firm believer in ‘Natural Horsemanship’/ intelligent horsemanship/ whispering or any kind of technique which places emphasis on the horse-human understanding of communication, I found this story appropriate and of great appeal.
‘…she watched proudly as Danny walked Wind Dancer into his pen. The gelding was so tired he could barely make it, but he managed to nuzzle her brother’s shoulder as he was taking off his halter…
‘to new beginnings!’ Ali agreed’
- Quote
This unforgettable, haunting horse story is one that tugs at the heartstrings and fills you with not only a sense of fulfilment and warmth but hope, through an acute insight into PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that’s so evocatively captured on the page. I found the well-developed characters interesting, adding another layer of depth to the substantial storyline and so it was an engrossing, compelling read. When 13 Year old Ali rescues two abused horses and cares for them, I felt inwardly moved and personally pulled into the plot as her brother returns home from the war with the fervent intensity and thought-provoking nuance accentuated.
Targeted towards the younger reader/ middle-grade this exceptionally well-written, truth-drawing story is a memorable tale of impressive magnitude. Definitely an unputdownable, gripping read that’s a welcome edition to the horse lover’s bookshelf.
*I would like to thank Chris Platt for providing me with a signed, hardback copy of her book ‘Wind Dancer’ to read & provide an honest, non-biased review on. *
February 14, 2015
Things are tough for 13-year-old Ali right now. Not too long ago she lost her beloved pony Max to an accident, following which her brother enlisted in the Army and returned from Afghanistan with a missing leg and PTSD he refuses to acknowledge or seek help for. When her friend Cara persuades Ali to join her on an illicit nighttime mission to check out some horses they think are being abused, Ali only goes because she's worried about the horses--with good reason, as it turns out. She gets in trouble for breaking rules, but her parents are proud of her for saving the two horses, and part of her "punishment" becomes caring for them as they recover from their near-starvation. In the meantime, things with her brother Danny are still rocky--she doesn't know how to get through his unreasoning anger. In some ways, he reminds her of Wind Dancer, the horse least likely to survive. Is there any chance for either Danny or Wind Dancer?
Although this is really short, I really liked it. I thought it combined the two parts of the story well; Danny's nightmare of PTSD, and caring for the abused horses. There's tons of detail for horse-lovers, and a lot of world-building done in a short amount of time. Danny is handled realistically and sympathetically, and while the end may be a little too pat, you know it still won't be an easy road for him (and I'm not sure I bought that he rode into the desert for hours without incident the first time he ever tried to ride, and with a missing leg to boot). I was still confused at the end, though, as to exactly why Danny went into the desert the first time, when Max and Ali got injured--I'm not sure that's ever explained, which is odd. Overall, though, I thought it was well-structured and had interesting characters, including the horses.
Although this is really short, I really liked it. I thought it combined the two parts of the story well; Danny's nightmare of PTSD, and caring for the abused horses. There's tons of detail for horse-lovers, and a lot of world-building done in a short amount of time. Danny is handled realistically and sympathetically, and while the end may be a little too pat, you know it still won't be an easy road for him (and I'm not sure I bought that he rode into the desert for hours without incident the first time he ever tried to ride, and with a missing leg to boot). I was still confused at the end, though, as to exactly why Danny went into the desert the first time, when Max and Ali got injured--I'm not sure that's ever explained, which is odd. Overall, though, I thought it was well-structured and had interesting characters, including the horses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2014
I received Wind Dancer through a first reads, Goodreads contest. Chris, this was one of the BEST books about horses I have read in a long while. It had such a great feel to it and everything fit in perfectly. I would have loved to read a little more about what happens after Wind Dancer and Misty were all healed, I bet they would have become amazing horses with great spirit! Thank you for the great opportunity to read this book! I plan on reading all of your others as soon as I can get my hands on them!
December 21, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book.
It was a fast read, but is appropriate for young readers.
In this story Ali, a 13 year old girl, is instrumental in rescuing 2 abused horses and is put in charge of their care.
As a side story, her brother returned from war with PTSD but unwilling to admit it.
I found this book to be very sensitive in addressing these issues, the characters were well developed and the book kept me engaged to the end.
It was a fast read, but is appropriate for young readers.
In this story Ali, a 13 year old girl, is instrumental in rescuing 2 abused horses and is put in charge of their care.
As a side story, her brother returned from war with PTSD but unwilling to admit it.
I found this book to be very sensitive in addressing these issues, the characters were well developed and the book kept me engaged to the end.
March 31, 2015
This book uses horses as a bridge into difficult topics such a animal cruelty, family issues dealing a brother/son that returns from Iraq as wounded Veteran. For young readers, this would be a decent length book that helps bring these subjects to them in an easy to read and engaging way. I think the book deserves 5 out of 5 stars.
This ARC was provided by Net Gallery for an honest opinion.
This ARC was provided by Net Gallery for an honest opinion.
August 11, 2016
I grew up having an Appaloosa gelding named Shadow, and I love the breed. This book was a great book for Middle Grade level readers, and it was really nostalgic for me to read it. It reminded me of all the horse books I read when I first discovered that I loved reading.
March 3, 2014
Characters are flat, the plot lacks urgency, perhaps it would be better if narrated by the main character. Did like the Brussels sprouts description as green balls of death! Resources at the end for more information on PTSD.
November 6, 2014
A compelling story line and accessible text - this will appeal to middle grade horse lovers.
November 29, 2014
It was very very very very good
It was one of the best books I have ever read a long with willow king Chris Platt needs to make a series I want to know how Danny learns to ride
It was one of the best books I have ever read a long with willow king Chris Platt needs to make a series I want to know how Danny learns to ride
October 28, 2015
It was okay. It ended before the horses were fully recovered. I wanted a more detailed description of their recovery. Very short, quick read. Good for a reluctant reader.
February 25, 2016
This book was lame.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews