Hoofbeats: Margret and Flynn, 1875

by Kathleen Duey

Twelve-year-old orphan Margret and her older sister, Libby, are staying with the kind Mrs. Fredriksen in her sod house in Littleton, Colorado. Margret knows that Libby, with her basic distrust of anyone, will have them moving along soon enough, but Margret wants to stay. When a tornado sweeps through, bringing with it an injured horse, Margret lays claim to the animal, naming him Flynn, nursing him back to health, and teaching herself to ride. Now more than ever, Margret yearns for some stability in her life. Somehow she must convince Libby to stay so she can make Flynn hers.

Genres: Horses, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 17, 2008

About the author

Kathleen Duey grew up in Colorado. She loved riding her horses, hiking, being in the mountains. Reading was always important to her. Writing became a fascination early in her life. In the fourth grade, Kathleen began writing stories and told everyone who would listen that she was going to be an author. Then she did nothing about it until she was 35 years old. Writing was her passion and her dream-come-true.

from: fantasticfiction.co.uk

Kathleen died of cardiac arrest at her home in Fallbrook, California. She was 69. She had struggled with dementia in her latter years which prevented her from completing her Skin Hunger trilogy.

https://web.archive.org/web/202101052...

Reviews

[Pasta Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually love the story of this book. This whole series seems to accept the reality of stories like this. It’s very hard to buy and keep a horse, even when you have everything available to you.

Margret not being able to keep Flynn is a plot line that I love very much. It adds genuine emotion to the book and keeps things real. There are too many horse stories where everything has a perfectly happy ending, when that’s really not how things work out in the real horse world.

The writing was great. Far less clunky than the Lara books, which I found a bit hard to read due to the language used in it.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! It’s by far my favorite of the Hoofbeats series.

[Brittany Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great story. I’m glad the girls came together and everything worked out. I just couldn’t really get overly interested in it.

[Amy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margret and Flynn, 1875- Kathleen Duey (2008)
Margret and Libby are young orphans who travel the country looking for a place to stay and work, only spending a few months in each home. In the late spring of 1875 they find shelter with Mrs. Fredriksen, a widow living on her own in Littleton, Colorado. Margret instantly falls in love with Mrs. Fredriksen and can’t imagine leaving. But her sister doesn’t trust Mrs. Fredriksen, or anyone else, and insists that they keep moving. But things begin to change after a tornado hits Littleton and Margret find a injured jet-black gelding limping in the pasture.
A touching story about sisters, the 1800s, and what it means to have a home and people who care for you. This would be an especially good choice for horse lovers. Recommened - Grades 3-7.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margret and her older sister Libby, live in a sod house with Mrs.Frederiksen. One day a tornado comes and tares a hole in the roof. When she goes outside to check on the horses and cow, she finds a jet black gelding who had been injured by the tornado. This horse might make Libby want to leave and she doesn't trust anyone, not even kind Mrs.Frederiksen. Will Libby let them stay with Mrs.Frederiksen or will she make them leave, leaving the horse and Mrs.Frederiksen behind?

Reasons I like this book-

Reason 1- It is historical fiction.

Reason 2- The story makes me feel as if I'm there.

Reason 3- I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two girls have spent the majority of their life shifting homes anytime the older sister felt their ability to stay together was threatened or that someone might be unkind to them. The younger sister has dreams of having friends and owning a horse and wonders if she will ever get them. This was a well-written story showing the value of friendships, family, love, and good people.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is a 2010 Mark Twain award nominee, and I read it along with my daughter who is reading the nominees for school. Kathleen Duey is a gifted author, at least in this book, and loves history. She treats the characters, especially the main character sympathetically and carries the reader right into the story. I felt I was there, not just a reader of the story.

[cati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book that I have read to Bella this month each night. She won it from the library for completing her BINGO card!! A little history, a little horsey a good mix of sweet and reality of the time. 1800's.

[Maddie P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl shows herself through horses!!!!!

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Jack LaGue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! It is very cool!