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Year of the Black Pony
The Fellows family has joined numerous others striving to make a go of homesteading in the Oregon high desert. But the venture has been disastrous from the start. Mr. Fellows, who is not a farmer, resents any advice from his wife, who grew up on a farm. Ma is not only troubled about the farming, but 7-year-old Ellie's chronic illness has become a source of constant worry and expense. 12-year-old Chris, who cannot seem to please his father no matter what he does, eases his own misery by stealing time away from work to watch a neighbor's scarcely broken black pony, only to get into more trouble. When it seems circumstances could not get worse for the struggling family, Fellows gets drunk and dies. Not willing to give up, Ma stubbornly-and creatively-seeks a way for the family to stay in Oregon. Frank Chase, an unintentional element in the death of Chris's father, is added to the mix and challenged by Ma to keep his word to help the family. The resultant dramatic and sometimes humorous contest of wills comes to a satisfying culmination when, after Frank's purchase of the wild black pony for Chris, Ma is reluctantly forced to once again use her "backbone of steel" for the good of all. Walt Morey's careful research and vivid storytelling talent warmly bring to life the struggles and triumphs of homesteading in the Oregon high desert country in the early 1900's.
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First published January 1, 1976
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About the author
Walt Morey
29 books49 followersWalt Morey was an award-winning author of numerous works of children's fiction set in the U.S. Pacific Northwestand Alaska, the places where Morey lived for all of his life. His book Gentle Ben was the basis for the 1967 movie Gentle Giant and the 1967-1969 television show Gentle Ben.
He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.
He wrote a total of 17 published books, most of which involve as a central plot element the relationship between man and animals. Many of his works involve survival stories, or people going into the wild to "discover" themselves; redemption through nature is a common theme of Morey's works.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2021
Walt Morey was my great grandfather, my parents gave me the middle name Morey in his honor. He died when I was young, so I remember very little of him. My father remembers him sitting at his desk with a typewriter poking away at the keys. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not read his books until now. With all this time at home (thanks, COVID), I decided it is time I finally kick my butt into gear and read them.
Though a little dark at the beginning with the drunkenness and death of the main character's father, the book as a whole is heartwarming. I liked the emphasis on kindness and the virtue of helping others that are repeated often. A young boy has to overcome great traumas and adapt to his new life. He finds it even better than he could have imagined when he finds his new stepfather is a kind man who wants to do right by him. After some hard work, Chris is given the one thing he wants most in the world, the wild black pony. It threatens to tear the family apart as his mother stands firm in her opinion that the horse will never amount to anything. She eventually is won over when her horse knowledge helps the horse in 2 crucial moments. It was fun to read a book set in the 1900's Oregon and get a small taste of the early days of Oregon's European settlers.
Though a little dark at the beginning with the drunkenness and death of the main character's father, the book as a whole is heartwarming. I liked the emphasis on kindness and the virtue of helping others that are repeated often. A young boy has to overcome great traumas and adapt to his new life. He finds it even better than he could have imagined when he finds his new stepfather is a kind man who wants to do right by him. After some hard work, Chris is given the one thing he wants most in the world, the wild black pony. It threatens to tear the family apart as his mother stands firm in her opinion that the horse will never amount to anything. She eventually is won over when her horse knowledge helps the horse in 2 crucial moments. It was fun to read a book set in the 1900's Oregon and get a small taste of the early days of Oregon's European settlers.
June 2, 2016
This is a book we did not want to have end. It reminds me of Little Britches.
August 31, 2024
I have loved this book since I was a kid. A simple, touching story.
April 11, 2024
Another excellent American history read aloud. I don't think there was a single day of reading that wasn't met with pleas of "one more chapter pleeeeaaaase!"
October 2, 2025
It was fine. An old time story of a boy and his horse and a family coming together.
A book club selection. Fast read.
A book club selection. Fast read.
Read
February 10, 2017 This is a story about a boy named Chris who lives in a small ranch/farm town with wild horses that roam around. Chris is a young farm boy who lives with his mom in a small barn/farm house.
One thing i liked about the main idea was that Chris always thought about the positive and made it into a life lesson. Something i disliked about the story was the way it was told in perspective and how there were too many details that didn't make much sense.
I suggest this book to people who like to read small, conflict western novels because the western setting matches the perspective perfectly. This book is similar to young boys that live out in the country that figure out ways to solve problems.
One thing i liked about the main idea was that Chris always thought about the positive and made it into a life lesson. Something i disliked about the story was the way it was told in perspective and how there were too many details that didn't make much sense.
I suggest this book to people who like to read small, conflict western novels because the western setting matches the perspective perfectly. This book is similar to young boys that live out in the country that figure out ways to solve problems.
June 24, 2024
I got this book as a gift when I was a kid. I read it at least a dozen times in my childhood. I lost my copy when I was 29. I recently was able to get a replacement copy. The story is just as good as I remembered.
When I was a kid, there weren't a lot of strong women characters in the books I was exposed to. It was usually boys and men that did all of the heroic stuff. This time, the mother of the narrator is a tough and smart woman, able to provide for her two children, despite having her husband die. At the turn of the 20th century. Out West, without even paved roads, let alone telephones or Amazon.com.
In most horse stories, the human characters get in the way, but not here. Not only are those characters interesting, but there is a good balance of human action with horse action.
Lucifer, the pony of the title, is a vivid, three-dimensional character. He seems to be more like a small mustang rather than the stereotypical short-legged, pot-bellied pony. He is also a believeable fictional horse. Sometimes, I wish there had been a sequel so I could read more about Lucifer, but there's no way a sequel could be as good as this.
When I was a kid, there weren't a lot of strong women characters in the books I was exposed to. It was usually boys and men that did all of the heroic stuff. This time, the mother of the narrator is a tough and smart woman, able to provide for her two children, despite having her husband die. At the turn of the 20th century. Out West, without even paved roads, let alone telephones or Amazon.com.
In most horse stories, the human characters get in the way, but not here. Not only are those characters interesting, but there is a good balance of human action with horse action.
Lucifer, the pony of the title, is a vivid, three-dimensional character. He seems to be more like a small mustang rather than the stereotypical short-legged, pot-bellied pony. He is also a believeable fictional horse. Sometimes, I wish there had been a sequel so I could read more about Lucifer, but there's no way a sequel could be as good as this.
October 4, 2015
This is one of my favorite Walt Morey books, about a boy and a black horse that he falls in love with.
It Holds your interest clear to the end. All of my children and grandchildren loved it. Gramma even liked it.
(Our copy is a First Edition ISBN 0-525-43455-0 purchased through Amazon) We also have a paperback copy that is falling apart. Which I ordered brand new from Klindt's book store in The Dalles, OR.
It Holds your interest clear to the end. All of my children and grandchildren loved it. Gramma even liked it.
(Our copy is a First Edition ISBN 0-525-43455-0 purchased through Amazon) We also have a paperback copy that is falling apart. Which I ordered brand new from Klindt's book store in The Dalles, OR.
January 4, 2022
I loved this book as a child, and now shared this book with my son. It's a lovely story about a boy who longed for a black wild horse he saw running in a herd. It's a story about a father who is a drunk before he is killed, a mother who has incredible strength, and a stepfather who keeps this family together. Beautifully written, engaging, and I enjoyed reading it again as an adult!
March 21, 2022
A once-abused horse learns to trust a little boy while the same once-abused little boy learns to trust his new step-father.
This story is sweet and gentle and good. The first time I read it was in the fourth grade and I have been a sucker for marriage-of-convenience stories ever since.
This story is sweet and gentle and good. The first time I read it was in the fourth grade and I have been a sucker for marriage-of-convenience stories ever since.
October 24, 2010
I read it to Madelyn. She liked it so well we'll be reading Walt Morey books for awhile.
November 14, 2025
3.5* a quick enjoyable read. While set in Oregon it didn't feel more like that state than any other generally described land. The mother is a strong character in the book but seen as unyielding. Discusses changing views of a stepfather by the 12 yr old MC. Overall a story of how hard it is to homestead and be one of the families to succeed at it, of the desires of a 12 yr old (horse & gun), and of an abused horse coming to trust humans again.
"So you've got faith," he said. "Well, I haven't." "When that's all you have left to go on," Ma said quietly, "that's what you use." pg 23
The ending didn't feel clear to me, something the MC has hoped for is eluded to be starting but without explanation or closure that as an adult I wanted but a child reading the book would probably be satisfied with.
At least two misspellings in the first chapter and a cover that does not match the details in the story. The mother's hair is described numerous times as dark, black, etc yet she and her kids are on the cover with bright orange/red hair.
CCs: past animal abuse as sub storyline, drunken fights, past physical discipline from father remembered by 12 yr old, whiskey given to a sick horse.
"So you've got faith," he said. "Well, I haven't." "When that's all you have left to go on," Ma said quietly, "that's what you use." pg 23
The ending didn't feel clear to me, something the MC has hoped for is eluded to be starting but without explanation or closure that as an adult I wanted but a child reading the book would probably be satisfied with.
At least two misspellings in the first chapter and a cover that does not match the details in the story. The mother's hair is described numerous times as dark, black, etc yet she and her kids are on the cover with bright orange/red hair.
CCs: past animal abuse as sub storyline, drunken fights, past physical discipline from father remembered by 12 yr old, whiskey given to a sick horse.
May 17, 2017
The one of the very Best books I have read all year. I highly recommend to anyone that loves horses.
December 27, 2018
Love all of salt more books.
Loved this book. Walt Morey is 1 of my favorite authors. Always a happy ending that brings years to my eyes
Loved this book. Walt Morey is 1 of my favorite authors. Always a happy ending that brings years to my eyes
October 26, 2024
Sometimes you have to put your feelings into words no matter how hard they are to say.
July 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Considered this a preview read for my kids but was engrossed in the story from beginning to end. Great YA book.
December 27, 2011
I was intrigued by the story's set up, and found the characters likable enough. The "lost in the storm but my horse saves the day" plot point is a little overdone, and I raised my eyebrows at the illness and recovery. I know nothing about historical home remedies though so it may be an accurate portrayal of what would have been done back then.
I enjoyed it overall. Nothing fantastic, but it was a good afternoon read.
I enjoyed it overall. Nothing fantastic, but it was a good afternoon read.
November 28, 2007
Good book for an elementary kid. Very dreamy.
December 24, 2014
Nice family tale.
April 25, 2015
my daughter's book.
May 3, 2015
Loved the Christian aspects of this story.
Read
January 31, 2017Read to my son
March 25, 2021
A great little story and well told. I think the family enjoyed hearing it as our nighttime story. I certainly enjoyed reading it. It wasn't amazing, but very solid.
August 30, 2025
I rated 4 stars the first time I read it but for a read aloud and for how much the boys liked it - 5 stars.
July 26, 2016
A classic western homestead story about the tough who survived.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews