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The Hungry Place
In this horse adventure perfect for fans of Black Beauty , a Connemara pony is pampered and beloved, then abused and neglected, until twelve-year-old Rae brings love to her again.
Princess lives a charmed life of brown sugar cubes, crunchy apples, sweet grass, and adoration. But it is a lonely life; her elderly owner keeps Princess separate from other ponies so his show-ring champion will remain pristine. When Princess's owner has a stroke, she is thrust into the care of an unscrupulous trainer and his wife, who steal from the farm and leave. Abandoned to starve with other, tougher ponies, Princess is bereft of all hope. Meanwhile, a girl named Rae wants a pony more than anything and is striving to make her unrealistic dream a reality. Rae and Princess need each other, though neither realizes this when they eventually meet. Rae must learn to see beyond Princess's scars and Princess must learn to trust again in order for them both to find their own hidden strengths and a home in each other.
Princess lives a charmed life of brown sugar cubes, crunchy apples, sweet grass, and adoration. But it is a lonely life; her elderly owner keeps Princess separate from other ponies so his show-ring champion will remain pristine. When Princess's owner has a stroke, she is thrust into the care of an unscrupulous trainer and his wife, who steal from the farm and leave. Abandoned to starve with other, tougher ponies, Princess is bereft of all hope. Meanwhile, a girl named Rae wants a pony more than anything and is striving to make her unrealistic dream a reality. Rae and Princess need each other, though neither realizes this when they eventually meet. Rae must learn to see beyond Princess's scars and Princess must learn to trust again in order for them both to find their own hidden strengths and a home in each other.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2020
18 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Haas
57 books41 followersJessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 18, 2023
3.5 stars
Great middle-grade book, that any horse-lover would enjoy!
The story is told from the viewpoint of Princess, a show horse who has become down on her luck, and from Rae’s, a young girl who wants her own pony more than anything.
Great middle-grade book, that any horse-lover would enjoy!
The story is told from the viewpoint of Princess, a show horse who has become down on her luck, and from Rae’s, a young girl who wants her own pony more than anything.
November 12, 2020
I'm cautious about reading books featuring animals. We all know the drill- animals in novels face heart wrenching struggles, whether things eventually work out, or not. Sometimes that journey is worth it, as a reader, and sometimes, not.
And sometimes, as readers, we are just not up for it, even when well done.
To read this I drew on my middle-school mindset. With a nod to an experienced and successful author of many "horse" books, I dove in.
What I found were two characters that felt right at home in the genre- a young girl whose innate hunger for a pony (specifically, a pony, not a horse) and an individual pony who, from birth, was clearly a classic for her breed. There is no spoiler in my saying that these two were destined to meet and eventually become united, but it is their journey to that ending that made the story compelling.
Using somewhat familiar patterns (very clear good guys and bad guys, a loving but economically strapped family, school friendship struggles, and high stakes) strong writing allowed this reader to experience several years of growth for both the pony and the girl (Princess and Rae) through their alternating narrative viewpoints and voices. Other characters were engaging and effective, too. Despite sensing clearly where the storyline was headed (as an adult, and a writer) I also experienced the freshness and fearsome connection that young readers will appreciate. I can readily see horse-book fans (both boys and girls) enjoying this book. For some it may become their most favorite. In the process, there are plenty of facts about horse care, training, showing, specific vocabulary and breeds.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
And sometimes, as readers, we are just not up for it, even when well done.
To read this I drew on my middle-school mindset. With a nod to an experienced and successful author of many "horse" books, I dove in.
What I found were two characters that felt right at home in the genre- a young girl whose innate hunger for a pony (specifically, a pony, not a horse) and an individual pony who, from birth, was clearly a classic for her breed. There is no spoiler in my saying that these two were destined to meet and eventually become united, but it is their journey to that ending that made the story compelling.
Using somewhat familiar patterns (very clear good guys and bad guys, a loving but economically strapped family, school friendship struggles, and high stakes) strong writing allowed this reader to experience several years of growth for both the pony and the girl (Princess and Rae) through their alternating narrative viewpoints and voices. Other characters were engaging and effective, too. Despite sensing clearly where the storyline was headed (as an adult, and a writer) I also experienced the freshness and fearsome connection that young readers will appreciate. I can readily see horse-book fans (both boys and girls) enjoying this book. For some it may become their most favorite. In the process, there are plenty of facts about horse care, training, showing, specific vocabulary and breeds.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
Boy, it's been a hot minute since I read a horse book. They're not as popular as they were when I was a kid, but "The Hungry Place" forces you to ask, WHY NOT? I love animal books, especially when they're told from the animal's point of view, and while there's nothing exactly special about this book, Haas's writing was lovely and her story was heartwarming.
This is a nice update to the genre. Though horse books remain inexplicably "girly", it was nice to see the book tackling new groups of people. So often the girls in these books are little millionaires with their thoroughbreads, but Rae's family is struggling to make ends meet, and the stable she ends up learning at is more of an animal shelter. Plus, mean girl drama is addressed and frowned upon, rather than being the purpose of the book. It was also nice to see ponies featured, as opposed to horses, and for you laymen out there ponies are not just baby horses. They are unique breeds with different qualities and temperaments. And it was difficult but very important, in my opinion, for animal cruelty to be introduced in this genre. There's no shortage of books about animal cruelty out there, but they are rarely horse books. And it happens to horses. All the time. I think we do young girls a disservice by trying to shelter them from it, and I loved how Haas gave a young person the agency to make a difference.
So yeah. Apparently it's still 1999 and I will just devour and weep over a horse book. Only better because pulp is out and quality is in.
This is a nice update to the genre. Though horse books remain inexplicably "girly", it was nice to see the book tackling new groups of people. So often the girls in these books are little millionaires with their thoroughbreads, but Rae's family is struggling to make ends meet, and the stable she ends up learning at is more of an animal shelter. Plus, mean girl drama is addressed and frowned upon, rather than being the purpose of the book. It was also nice to see ponies featured, as opposed to horses, and for you laymen out there ponies are not just baby horses. They are unique breeds with different qualities and temperaments. And it was difficult but very important, in my opinion, for animal cruelty to be introduced in this genre. There's no shortage of books about animal cruelty out there, but they are rarely horse books. And it happens to horses. All the time. I think we do young girls a disservice by trying to shelter them from it, and I loved how Haas gave a young person the agency to make a difference.
So yeah. Apparently it's still 1999 and I will just devour and weep over a horse book. Only better because pulp is out and quality is in.
July 21, 2021
Apparently Jessie Haas has written a ton of horse-centric books, but this is the first one I've read. I don't think the title is so great - it sounds kind of adult and ominous. But if kids have read other books by this author, they won't care, and there's a big close-up of a horse on the cover. If you're a horse-loving girl or boy, that would probably be enough for you to want to read it.
The title actually has a double meaning. You can have a hungry, i.e. empty, place in your heart that can be filled by only one thing or person, but also at one point in the story several ponies are left with little to eat and come close to dying of starvation.
This is the story of Princess, a Connemara pony who is adored by her owner and grows up pampered and coddled until unforeseen events upset their comfortable existence. Her "hungry place" can only be filled by being reunited with her owner. Meanwhile, young Rae Mitchell loves all ponies, and her "hungry place" can only be filled by owning and caring for one of her own. Unfortunately, money for the price of a pony, not to mention care and feeding, is an issue for her family.
Haas writes her story from both the point of view of Princess and of Rae, and includes enough drama in the form of bad people who endanger Princess to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to upper elementary and middle-school horse-loving readers.
The title actually has a double meaning. You can have a hungry, i.e. empty, place in your heart that can be filled by only one thing or person, but also at one point in the story several ponies are left with little to eat and come close to dying of starvation.
This is the story of Princess, a Connemara pony who is adored by her owner and grows up pampered and coddled until unforeseen events upset their comfortable existence. Her "hungry place" can only be filled by being reunited with her owner. Meanwhile, young Rae Mitchell loves all ponies, and her "hungry place" can only be filled by owning and caring for one of her own. Unfortunately, money for the price of a pony, not to mention care and feeding, is an issue for her family.
Haas writes her story from both the point of view of Princess and of Rae, and includes enough drama in the form of bad people who endanger Princess to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to upper elementary and middle-school horse-loving readers.
December 9, 2021
Fans of Black Beauty will love this MG animal fiction story.
🐎
Rae has never wanted anything more in her life than to have and ride her very own pony. She helps her grandmother bake pies and starts selling muffins to save money for it. Her father even created a practice horse out of garbage to help her learn. She goes to her friend’s riding lessons just to watch because she can’t afford her own. Enter Princess. Princess is a beautiful Connemara pony that lives the high life at Highover Farms, but when her owner has a stroke and the trainers take off with everything, Princess and the other ponies are left to starve until they are saved by a local horse trainer. When Princess and Rae meet it seems like fate, but can Princess learn to trust humans again?
🐴
My heart. This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but it is a 2022 Bluebonnet nominee and I make sure to read these every year. However any time I see animals on the cover I worry. (Thanks for ruining my childhood Where The Red Fern Grows, Charlotte’s Web and Old Yeller) so I read them with care, but The Hungry Place and Stella, both titles from this year’s list, were beautifully written and I fell in love with them. Rae’s determination and tenacity will resonate with so many kids. This is definitely one to recommend to your middle grade readers.
CW: animal starvation, animal abuse, stealing, stroke
4.5 stars for some pacing issues
🐎
Rae has never wanted anything more in her life than to have and ride her very own pony. She helps her grandmother bake pies and starts selling muffins to save money for it. Her father even created a practice horse out of garbage to help her learn. She goes to her friend’s riding lessons just to watch because she can’t afford her own. Enter Princess. Princess is a beautiful Connemara pony that lives the high life at Highover Farms, but when her owner has a stroke and the trainers take off with everything, Princess and the other ponies are left to starve until they are saved by a local horse trainer. When Princess and Rae meet it seems like fate, but can Princess learn to trust humans again?
🐴
My heart. This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but it is a 2022 Bluebonnet nominee and I make sure to read these every year. However any time I see animals on the cover I worry. (Thanks for ruining my childhood Where The Red Fern Grows, Charlotte’s Web and Old Yeller) so I read them with care, but The Hungry Place and Stella, both titles from this year’s list, were beautifully written and I fell in love with them. Rae’s determination and tenacity will resonate with so many kids. This is definitely one to recommend to your middle grade readers.
CW: animal starvation, animal abuse, stealing, stroke
4.5 stars for some pacing issues
June 28, 2022
When there are tears in two places and I turn the last page with a deep sigh of satisfaction and the knowledge that many of my students are going to love this book, a 5 star rating is absolutely necessary. Jessie Haas’ book is told with two storylines that you know are going to intersect and most readers will know how it will end, but the getting there is wonderful. Rae has always loved ponies and yearns for one of her own. Roland raises and trains beautiful ponies and a truly special one has just been born. But Rae’s single dad and grandmother don’t have much money and Roland’s Princess’ life is about to take a tragic turn. Wonderful story from an author who knows horses and has delighted readers with simple horse books like Runaway Radish and the Bramble and Maggie series and ones for middle grade readers like Rescue and Chase. The Hungry Place is perfect for those who love realistic fiction that will have them reaching for the tissue box and/or horse/pony books. No profanity, sexual content or violence. The neglect that a herd of ponies experiences is not overly graphic and while it will hurt to read it, should not leave younger readers too disturbed. Highly recommended for grades 4-6.
A 2022-2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
A 2022-2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
October 25, 2022
My 10-year-old daughter enjoyed this book but didn't love this book. My daughter isn't a huge horse or pony fan, but my guess is if your daughter is, they will really love this book.
3 Key Takeaways
1. When can I have something (e.g. a Pony) is not the best question to ask, it's How can I have something (How can I get a Pony?).
2. Life isn't about money, it's about love.
3. There are good and bad people in the world, which are you going to be? Nice people don't finish last, they finish happy.
Best, Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman
The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less
3 Key Takeaways
1. When can I have something (e.g. a Pony) is not the best question to ask, it's How can I have something (How can I get a Pony?).
2. Life isn't about money, it's about love.
3. There are good and bad people in the world, which are you going to be? Nice people don't finish last, they finish happy.
Best, Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman
The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less
December 20, 2020
Jessie Haas is a fellow writer who has lived many years in rural southeastern Vermont where there are plenty of farms and horses. Her writing shows she understands the minds and ways of horses and nine or ten year old girls, and she crafts both their stories very well.
“The Hungry Place” is the story of a well born and pampered pony whose life takes a drastic turn when her adoring owner is lost to her and a young girl of a less advantaged family who is determined to follow her dream of having a pony of her own. It is very well written. You care for the horse. You care for the young girl. And you come to root hard for them to both reach a happy resolution at the end.
It’s a story interesting to adults as well as ten year olds, making it, in my opinion, a great story for us “older folk” to read to our kids. I think you’ll enjoy it too.
“The Hungry Place” is the story of a well born and pampered pony whose life takes a drastic turn when her adoring owner is lost to her and a young girl of a less advantaged family who is determined to follow her dream of having a pony of her own. It is very well written. You care for the horse. You care for the young girl. And you come to root hard for them to both reach a happy resolution at the end.
It’s a story interesting to adults as well as ten year olds, making it, in my opinion, a great story for us “older folk” to read to our kids. I think you’ll enjoy it too.
June 16, 2022
I liked this story. It is told in two voices. The first is from Princess's view. Princess is a Connemara pony. It is beautiful, graceful, and well trained. Her owner, Roland loves her ever preciously. However, his trainer and wife actually are waiting for Roland (he's and old man) to pass away so they can rob his estate and sell the horses for pet meat!
Rae is a girl who loves horses but cannot afford one. She wants so much to learn how to ride and have her own pony one day before she grows to old to have one.
Will fate bring these two together? Read to find out.
What I can happily report is there are no agendas in this novel. Its simple, human-animal relationship story. That makes it all the more enjoyable.
Rae is a girl who loves horses but cannot afford one. She wants so much to learn how to ride and have her own pony one day before she grows to old to have one.
Will fate bring these two together? Read to find out.
What I can happily report is there are no agendas in this novel. Its simple, human-animal relationship story. That makes it all the more enjoyable.
January 15, 2023
Rae has wanted a pony her whole life, and not just because having a pony was a dream of her mother's before she died. It is all she can think about, and she even practices riding out on a pony sculpture her dad made her in the yard.
Princess is a show pony with impeccable beauty and a natural grace that wins her prize after prize, and her owner never even let her near the other ponies, just in case she got hurt. But when a tragedy occurs, her whole life is shattered. And the key to bringing her back from the brink, may just be a little girl named Rae.
Such a good book, even if I was anxiety ridden for a good portion of it until the resolution. It definitely made me feel, and I thought is was a wonderful read - especially for kids.
Princess is a show pony with impeccable beauty and a natural grace that wins her prize after prize, and her owner never even let her near the other ponies, just in case she got hurt. But when a tragedy occurs, her whole life is shattered. And the key to bringing her back from the brink, may just be a little girl named Rae.
Such a good book, even if I was anxiety ridden for a good portion of it until the resolution. It definitely made me feel, and I thought is was a wonderful read - especially for kids.
November 15, 2021
I wasn't loving this book initially, but I quickly got into it and I'm glad I didn't put it down. I loved the way the main character had to persevere and not give up on her dreams. I loved how much you learned about horses and showing horses and that there were different kinds of ponies. I also liked how the girls were proactive in their desire to earn money to pay their own way for the camps they wanted to go to. I liked the mystery aspect to it, and I loved the relationship between the girl and the horse. Many kids don't have horses, but many have dogs and cats and will be able to relate to that kind of unconditional love.
July 16, 2022
I read this book in an effort to help guide my daughter in her choices of Bluebonnet books to read for her challenge for school. I picked it because I'm a closet horse girl. I resonated with the character of Rae because that is how I felt my whole upbringing but I did not be so fortunate as to every get to own a horse.
I really enjoyed this book, not just because I resonated with Rae, but because it's very well written and pulls you in right away. I am wary of books written from the point of view of animals, though there have been a few such books that have been pleasurable to read (The One and Only Ivan comes to mind), but this one was worth it. It wasn't first person, so that was good, and it tells the story from Princess' point of view and also Rae's.
I definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book, not just because I resonated with Rae, but because it's very well written and pulls you in right away. I am wary of books written from the point of view of animals, though there have been a few such books that have been pleasurable to read (The One and Only Ivan comes to mind), but this one was worth it. It wasn't first person, so that was good, and it tells the story from Princess' point of view and also Rae's.
I definitely recommend it.
September 19, 2022
The TLA Bluebonnet Committee has done it again by selecting an outstanding book! I loved this book so much and have already shared it with a teacher who will be using it in their classroom. Once it comes back to the library, I can't wait to share it with students. I know my students will like this book: it has a horse, an endearing main character who wants a horse so much, and adversity for both main characters are some of the highlights! I cannot say enough about this book except if you haven't read it you need to!
May 2, 2023
Read for student reading competition. Did not care for it.
A pony is born on a fancy farm to a thoroughbred mare and then her fortunes change and she is abandoned and abused.
A young girl dreams of owing a horse, which is beyond her family financial possibilities.
Do kids read pony books anymore? I cannot imaging any of my city living students caring about this story or wanting to imagine themselves in such a situation.
Sorry.
A pony is born on a fancy farm to a thoroughbred mare and then her fortunes change and she is abandoned and abused.
A young girl dreams of owing a horse, which is beyond her family financial possibilities.
Do kids read pony books anymore? I cannot imaging any of my city living students caring about this story or wanting to imagine themselves in such a situation.
Sorry.
February 24, 2022
5 stars. Can’t remember the last time I cried so much for a book, and it doesn’t even have a dog! Loved everything about it: 2 pov & character development (both girl and horse), clear good guys and bad guys, building tension, secondary characters, clear explanation in context of horse vocabulary, and the ending. And that cover art!
March 11, 2022
The only thing not so great about this book is its lackluster title. I went into this story a bit apathetic due to the title and my neutrality toward horses, but I ended up loving this story. The author took the time to expertly twine together Princess' and Rae's stories, so they seamlessly flowed together.
August 21, 2022
I thought because it was about horses I really wouldn't like it but it's actually written so well that it was enjoyable and a quick read. Now I have something to recommend to my horse lovers that's not nonfiction!
December 26, 2022
Wow!
This amazing story is about a girl with a pony-sized dream and a pony who stumbled into hard times. Yes, it's a tearjerker at times. They both have a hunger for something more. When their paths cross, it brings redemption and healing.
This amazing story is about a girl with a pony-sized dream and a pony who stumbled into hard times. Yes, it's a tearjerker at times. They both have a hunger for something more. When their paths cross, it brings redemption and healing.
January 31, 2023
Another great book my son and I read together for the BlueBonnet reading challenge.
If you child loves horse this is a book for them. If you just love a story about big dreams and hopes this is it.
If you child loves horse this is a book for them. If you just love a story about big dreams and hopes this is it.
November 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, although it really broke my heart when Princess was neglected.
January 5, 2021
Written with vivid description and feeling, a book that took me back to my childhood dreams. Difficulty, joy and love - brought me to tears more than once. Beautiful
March 5, 2021
Sometimes you just need a lovely book where the character is patient and works hard and eventually gets all the happiness they've always wanted. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Read
February 26, 2022I liked this book and how Rae got a pony at the end. I also liked the part where Princess was training. It was a good book.
May 3, 2022
This is a story that makes your heart happy. Perfect for the late elementary, early middle school ages. Anyone that loves horses would also fall for this story.
June 17, 2022
This book is simply amazing. It’s one of those books that you just want to sit and think about after reading. Readers who love touching stories about animals will LOVE this book!!
July 1, 2022
No comparison to black beauty. The ending and the portrayal of the relationship between the old man and Princess were the only reason I didn’t rate it a 2.
July 8, 2022
A great story told mainly from the point of view of a pony. Wonderful characters that readers will come to love.
July 23, 2022
#8 on bluebonnet list..2022-23
August 15, 2022
Great pony story! The format alternates perspectives between an award winning show pony and a young girl infatuated with ponies.
September 3, 2022
I’m really not a horse girl, but this book got me right in the feels!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews