The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy

by M.J. Evans

The World is at War. Hitler ordered his army to capture the finest horses from all over Europe and develop a breeding program at a secret farm in Czechoslovakia. From these horses, he wanted Germany to develop the perfect war horse. Included in the horses that were captured was a magnificent Arabian Stallion named Witez II, the pride of Poland. A twelve-year-old boy who suffers from autism at a time when no one understood the disorder, is assigned to be his groom.
Through the healing power of horses, the boy learns to interact with the world around him. He travels with Witez as they escape from Nazi rule and travel to Bavaria and then the United States through the efforts of the U.S. Army.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Horses, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2023

About the author

I am a graduate of Oregon State University. Upon graduation, I spent five years teaching at the middle school and high school levels. My writing, at that time, was limited to curriculum. That was not fun.

While raising my children, I coached their Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams for seventeen years. I helped them write their own stories for the competitions. During this time, I also wrote two parent handbooks for the Salem, Oregon School district on sex education.

About fifteen years ago, I was able to combine my passion for horses with my love of writing. I researched and wrote two equestrian trail guide books for the Denver area. By “research” I mean that I spent every Friday riding my horse on a new trail, be it on the plains or in the mountains. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! The result of that work was the publication of Riding Colorado-Day Trips from Denver with Your Horse, and Riding Colorado II. Both books continue to sell very well in the Denver to Colorado Springs area and have made my horse famous.

I was able to combine my love of horses with my love of fantasy in my first Trilogy. The Mist Trilogy, comprised of Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and the Rising Mist received a gold medal from the Mom's Choice Awards. My next fantasy, an allegory of the Revolutionary War, but with Trolls and Leprechauns, won first place in the Purple Dragonfly Awards for fantasy. I took a brief (2 year) break from writing fantasy to complete a contemporary, coming of age novel titled "In the Heart of a Mustang." This YA novel won first place in the Literary Classics Awards for Young Adult fiction and second place in the Nautilus Awards in the same category.

On October 1, 2016, I released the first book of my new fantasy series "The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles."

I have now expanded my writing interests to include Historical Fiction: "PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History," and "The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII."
I have also had fun working with illustrators on five picture books: "PERCY - The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run," and "The Skullington Family Series."

I describe myself as a “Mozart” type of writer as opposed to a “Beethoven” writer. When I sit down to write, the words just flow and I don’t have to go back and do a lot of revisions.

Reviews

[Katie Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Set in a country you've never been to.** (Czechoslovakia)

This book made my "horses for therapy" heart happy from the moment 12-year-old autistic Teodor touched Witez II and said his first real words (not "grunts or screams"):  "Teodor's horse."  😭🥰  Because of his connection with Witez, Teodor was eventually able to communicate in complete, proper sentences (though he still struggled). 

It was a good and enjoyable story based on truth.  Witez II was a real horse and most of the facts of his life were accurate, but Teodor (his "peculiar boy") was made up.

[M.J. Evans]

Coming Feb. 28, 2023!
World War II is raging. Hitler is hiding away the world’s most beautiful purebred horses in a little village in Czechoslovakia. Lipizzaners, Thoroughbreds, and the prize Polish Arabians are being used in his experiments to create the perfect war horse.
A peculiar twelve-year-old boy from the village named Teodor is selected to be the groom for one of those special horses. Witez II, an Arabian stallion, helps the boy face his challenges and find his voice at a time when little is known about the condition now called “Autism.” The boy becomes the horse’s constant companion.
In the closing days of the war, Teodor flees the only home he has ever known to escape the oncoming Soviet Army. To stay would mean the loss of his horse to the hungry soldiers. Together, they seek refuge in America, where a new life awaits them both.
Told in part through the fictional character of Teodor and sensitive to his therapeutic and devoted bond with Witez over the years, "The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" blends the suspense of a World War II military rescue operation with the subsequent challenges of resettlement in a new land. Suitable for young adult and adult readers, this story is sure to please anyone who enjoys excellent historical fiction.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable read!

Teodor, an 11 year old boy lived with his parents until his dad left one day. With the condition of autism, Teodor led a very solatory life, no social interaction, happy in on his own little bubble, until one day he came across an Arab stallion, Witez, and his insular world changed. The love of horses together with the daily routines of feeding, grooming, cleaning out etc brought his first words and a change in behaviour. Smiles, talking to the horses, learning to ride, routine, this horse had brought Teodor on so much and he wanted to be with him always.

This is a truly heartwarming tale of a young boy who sees the world differently to others but has so much love that he gives to one animal. The author descriptive writing brings the book to life and you live every moment of this epic adventure. Alongside this lovely, well written story is the underlying message about Autism and the abundance of information and examples it provides to help raise awareness and give a better understanding about the condition.
The horae was Teodor's true 'friend', his world, his everything and the bravery this boy showed getting his horse through so much was just a small token in comparison to what the horse did for Teodor!
This is a gem of a book and I would recommend to any age.

[Michael Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story of triumph over adversity. The historical setting, beginning in Czechoslovakia during World War II and later in several places in the United States, adds to the realism, the understanding of danger, and the need to prevail. If you are a horse lover, you will be fascinated by Witez II, an exceptional Arabian prized stallion and the amazing relationship between this special war horse and the “peculiar boy” who becomes his groomer. The story has ample excitement and unpredictability, yet is a secure haven where all ends well, making the book suitable for teens. The author moves the story along so that it makes an engaging read for all ages.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review #giftedcopy and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Partner @mjevansbooks and @lovebookstours.

This is a charming story based on the life of the Famous Arabian Horse Witez II and 12 year old Teodor. Teodor has autism before it was a diagnosable disorder. Witez II helps him face his challenges while finding his voice. Teodor and Wietz II become constant companions. Toward the end of the war, they flee to America where a new life awaits them.

The writing style is easy to read and flows nicely. I was engaged from start to finish and didn't want this book to end. The characters are well developed and play off one another nicely. I really liked the relationship between Teodor and Wietz II. The underlying plot of the meaning of companionship while making the most of an unexplained disorder added depth to the story.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting WWII historical fiction with an international flare!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II is a subject I've never chosen to read about, but since this book told the story of the influential Arabian horse Witez II I decided to read it. The most disturbing part of any war is always the suffering of innocents and the story of what happened to these horses in Europe is hard to read. Many belated blessings to the devoted grooms who saved the lives of their equine charges. Teodor specifically, but also the brave Jan Ziniewicz, a Janow Podlosky groom who took the stallions Witraz and Wielke Szlem safely through the firebombing of Dresden. Even though Witraz's tail caught fire, Ziniewicz got both stallions to safety, hands raw and bleeding from holding the lead ropes. The courage and dedication of these people was inspired by the horses they cared for and says much about the human/equine bond even when ownership and money aren't a factor.

As a result, there are thousands of Arabian horses in the world today who carry the blood of these noble refugees.

The Germans did go on to create a "superhorse" in the form of their various warmblood verbrands such as Hanoverians, Westphalians, Holsteiners, Trakehners and more. They dominated equestrian sport for a time. In fact, show jump course designers changed the sport because of the German horses being so big and powerful. Modern jumping courses now require far more agility, demanding horses to turn on a dime and handicapping big powerful horses in favor of smaller and handier animals.

While the story was compelling, a better editor would improve the reading experience.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this book or whether I would like it, as, controversial opinion incoming - I wasn't the biggest fan of Warhorse. However, I loved it.

I am a massive fan of history and historical fiction anyway but this was do much more than that. I'll be honest, I have read a lot of WW2 literature but not around this topic, and it is an area that I have never given much thought too or heard much about. It was really interesting and incredibly emotive.

The characters are well developed and really likeable, believable and relatable. The author did a fantastic job of bringing them off of the page and vivid in my mind. The relationships built in this book were also really well done but my favourite will always be Teodor and Witez.

I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author

[Joyce Bloemker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this shows the special connection that can happen between a horse and a human. Horses are amazing creatures that can help us learn so much about ourselves. This book is a great way to learn about the horse rescue in World War II. The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy is an easy read with short chapters that I had a hard time putting down. By the second half of the book, I was so engrossed in the story and kept saying, “I’ll read just one more chapter” until it was about two a.m. every night!

[Staci Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fictionalized but true story

I first learned about Witez II as a kid from a book I had called And Miles to Go: The Biography of a Great Arabian Horse, Witez II
by Linell Smith (I wish I still had it! It goes for $150 used nowadays). This book is a lot of fun to read because it’s like a novel with dialogue and pros but it’s still firmly based on the true story of the horse and his boy. I really enjoyed it.

[Sophia Barsuhn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd like to preface this review by apologizing to M.J. Evans. You seem like a really kind person (it takes a lot of work to respond to every review and email you get), and I definitely appreciate your passion for horses. I think the base premise for the book was wonderful, and I enjoyed Teodor's relationship with Witez. However, my experience reading this book was not exactly enjoyable, largely due to the terrible editing and proofreading.

I was reading with a pen in hand, constantly crossing out or adding commas, or making certain words lowercase or capitalizing them, or just making notes of things that bothered me. For example, on page 45, the word "large" is used four times in one page. On page 209, the word "said" is used six times. On page 79, Teodor "pulls on his twill riding breaches", which should have been "breeches". On page 157, the word "gate" was used when "gait" was meant. An agreement "takes effect"; it does not "take affect". I understand that a lot of people won't care about things like this, but as an editor and proofreader, this was painful to read.

The only two characters who I really felt were more than cardboard cutouts were Teodor and his mother. I honestly had a hard time keeping track of who was who. I don't think the information about WWII was written in an interesting way, although I definitely should have been interested; I had no idea that the Nazis wanted to breed the perfect warhorse. But the plot would come to a halt so we could have page-long infodumps of history, and I got bored. (For children's and YA lit that incorporates WWII into the story in an interesting and organic way, see Number the Stars by Lois Lowry and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.)

I will definitely keep reading your work, because I really do admire your love for horses and your desire to write. However, I really do think you need a better editor and proofreader.

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating, compelling and often moving book. It’s based on a true story about the fate of hundreds of valuable purebred horses that had been commandeered by the Nazis in the Second World War to use as breeding stock for their warhorses. Collected in a stud farm in what was then Czechoslovakia, what will be their fate when the approaching Red Army arrives?

Woven through these real life events is the fictional, but nonetheless highly convincing, tale of an autistic boy at a time when autism was not recognised. Teodor, aged eleven, rejected by his father and barely able to communicate even with his loving mother, forms an instant bond with the Arab stallion Witez when he sees him in the fields of the stud farm. He is then taken on as Witez’s groom; his ability to communicate with horses helps him learn to communicate with people and gives his life meaning.

The characters of many nationalities, mostly based on historical figures, are sketched convincingly and sympathetically. There is a strong sense of geography as the story moves from Czechoslovakia to Bavaria, Bremerhaven, across the Atlantic to Virginia, California, Colorado and back to California. The fascinating historical background is well described without distracting from the narrative. The short chapters are clearly headed with date and place which help to anchor those unfamiliar with Second World War history. The reader rapidly identifies with Teodor and with the horses and is caught up in the building tension. Admittedly the plot slows in the last few chapters, but this is understandable and the continuing development of Teodor into early adulthood provides welcome resolution.

I was once a very horsey teenager and was immediately whisked back to the world of the stable, but am sure that this book will be equally compelling reading for all. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
4th January 2023

TITLE: The Stallion and his Peculiar Boy
Author: M J Evans
Star Rating: 5 stars

‘A touching story of a boy and a horse determined to escape the Nazis during World War Two. Highly recommended!’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review

REVIEW
I must begin by saying this is a wonderful historical novel for young adults. Written by the talented M J Evans, it follows a young, autistic boy called Teodor who is living in Czechoslovakia during the Second World War. When he´s given the job of caring for a magnificent horse called Witez, he not only develops in ways his mother thought impossible, he also finds a way of escaping the Nazis and getting the horse to America.
There is a long list of things I enjoyed with this novel. Firstly, the historical aspects of the novel, particularly how Hitler attempted to breed the perfect war horse, were very interesting. The author seems to know her stuff and is talented at putting it over to the reader in a compelling way. Secondly, the protagonist, Teodor, develops so much in the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed following him on his suspense-filled journey. Thirdly, the way the boy works – and understands – the horse is mesmerising, touching, and never overly sentimental.
I´m delighted to recommend this novel to children/young adults aged 12 – 15. I think they will find the Teodor´s story gripping, skilfully plotted and excellently paced. They´ll also get an insight into the war, the officers and men Teodor meets on his travels, and, most importantly, how animals can often help children with autism to interact better with the world.
All in all, this is a bit of a gem!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Wendy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on the fence over what I liked most in this story. The history is so rich and very intriguing, so well researched. You may think you’ve read WWII stories but this one gives a whole new viewpoint. MJ Evan’s powers of description bring this book to life. I loved Teodor and I was cheering for him and his horse the whole way through. I did have to keep reminding myself to breathe because I was holding my breath in a lot of places of danger and intrigue. I was surprised by the people described in the story who would do anything to save the horses while involved in such a horrific war. WWII being the main antagonist in this story, you get the feeling of the evil of that war hovering over every page. It made me cheer for the bad guys who really were the good guys! I was expecting betrayal at every turn and the historical events were nail-biting and so interesting. Even if you are not a horse lover, this book would keep you spellbound. Witez II is an outstanding character in this book, and he sounds like quite a horse. To think that he actually existed is mind-blowing. I can see and understand how horse-therapy would be good for autism and have nothing but praise for the way that was introduced in this book to help Teodor.

Not even kidding when I say I cried a number of times reading this book. “The brave stallion who had withstood the evils of war and came to America to share his talents,” is very much worth reading about and sounds like an un-sung hero during that part of the war. He brought together people from both sides of the war and made them cooperate for the sake of those beautiful horses. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. I appreciate the ARC from the author and can’t recommend this book enough.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stallion and his Peculiar Boy is a delightful and poignant blend of fact and fiction, based upon the life of a famous Arabian horse, Witez II. The fictional aspect of the story is Witez’s groom, Teodor, a young, Autistic boy. With no knowledge of Autism back then, Teodor’s parents are puzzled and dismayed at his apparent inability to communicate normally. But when Teodor meets Witez, the connection is strong & immediate, and a canny veterinarian at the horse stables in Hostau hires Teodor on the spot.
Although he has never ridden before, Teodor proves to be a natural horseman and earns the respect of the others at the stable. Through his bond with Witez, Teodor’s ability to communicate expands, at least enough to get along and perform his duties. As a horse-lover, I am a sucker for a story like this. One passage that really got to me just after someone mentions the threat of the horses in the stable being used for food: Teodor threw his arms around Witez’s neck as a tear coursed down his cheek. “Teodor will never let anyone hurt you,” he whispered in the stallion’s ear.
One minor quibble & possible spoiler ahead: I am not certain if the last line, “Teodor’s horse,” is spoken by Teodor or Mr. Hurlbutt. I think it is Teodor, since it is in a new paragraph. I think it would have been better to have Mr. Hurlbutt say it. His meaning: “I am giving you this horse; it will be your responsibility to watch over and care for him.” I think since Teodor is still deep in the mourning process, it is too soon for him to say it. I think it would take time for him to accept another horse in his heart. It would have been a nice final gesture, though, for Teodor to hesitate, then reach up to stroke the colt’s nose.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about the blurb for this fictional take on the story of a real-life war horse drew me in, and I couldn’t help but finish it in a couple of days.

On the fictional side, it’s the tale of a Teodor, a boy somewhere on the autistic spectrum—at a time when such things were not understood—who makes a connection with a horse, and thereby to some extent with the humans who surround him. Not a great extent, but as he’s never connected with his father—who leaves, never to return, to join the Czech resistance to the Nazis—or even his mother, who does her best for the boy and tries to understand him—the fact that he begins to speak for the first time, aged twelve, once he begins to care for horses, is a breakthrough.

On the factual side, the horse with which Teodor makes a particular connection is Witez II, a real-life Arabian stallion bred at the Polish stud farm and saved, along with hundreds of others, at the end of the Second World War. Witez was thereafter transported to the USA to live as both a breeding and showing stallion until his death in 1965.

Not being a rider—although I’m married to someone who was, and enjoy watching equestrian events—I wasn’t aware of the history portrayed here by author M J Evans. Who knew that the Nazis continued to need horses, alongside tanks, in WW2? That they ‘acquired’ all the horses they could from around Europe to supply their requirement for six hundred horses per month? That’s seventy-two thousand horses each year, perishing in man-made war—and their mainly-forgotten story needs to be told, alongside that of the human losses. The author makes a good job of telling it, and left me more knowledgeable than when I went into this text.

Whether you’re a ‘horse person’ or not, this is a story well-worth reading.

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" by author L.E. Carmichael is a captivating work of historical fiction that will transport readers back in time to the tumultuous days of World War II.

The story follows a peculiar twelve-year-old boy named Teodor who is selected to be the groom for one of the world's most beautiful purebred horses, Witez II, an Arabian stallion. Hitler is hiding away these horses in a little village in Czechoslovakia, using them in his experiments to create the perfect war horse. Teodor and Witez II form a special bond, and the horse helps the boy face his challenges and find his voice during a time when little is known about the condition now called "Autism."

As the war draws to a close, Teodor flees with Witez II to escape the oncoming Soviet Army, seeking refuge in America. The story blends the suspense of a World War II military rescue operation with the subsequent challenges of resettlement in a new land.

The author has done a fantastic job of creating a relatable and endearing protagonist in Teodor, who represents the countless individuals who were affected by the war in ways that we may never fully comprehend. Through his eyes, readers gain a unique perspective on the historical events that took place during this period.

Overall, "The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" is a beautifully written novel that will appeal to young adult and adult readers alike. The story is both heartwarming and suspenseful, making it an excellent addition to any historical fiction collection.

[E.B. Hauk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice prose and worldbuilding establish life in the Czech Republic during WWII in the sleepy, beautiful hamlet of Hostau that our main character, Teodor, and his family call home.

Teodor's autism is presented believably and his lifelong loss of words establishes a very different dynamic in his relationship with his father and mother. His father is alienated by his 'peculiarity' and his mother remains endeared to him, committed to turning on that line inside of him and communicating with him. His immediate connection to Witez socializes and captivates Teodor in a way nothing else has; Teodor progress leaps and bounds from nonverbal speech to basic sentences and finally, more complex ones.

His development is quickened by the swift pace of the novel and the very short chapter lengths which makes reading it feel like eating a bag of potato chips. "What's the harm in one more . . .?"

As to the faults, there are times where the dialogue is overly formal and stilted. People casually mention dates in the middle of their conversations--precise ones. I know times I've said something like "last year" or "this October" but ". . . ceased to exist since the Nazis invaded us in March of 1939." doesn't quite feel like natural speech to me. But maybe that's me.

The characterization is pretty basic. No well-established personalities, here, but there's still enough heart for an enjoyable read.

[Athina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" is a poignant and historically rich novel that weaves together the worlds of World War II, equestrian passion, and the remarkable connection between a young boy and a noble Arabian stallion. Based on the true story of the famous Arabian horse Witez II, this book offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in history.
The narrative unfolds during the chaos of World War II, where Hitler's obsession with breeding the perfect war horse places purebred horses in grave danger. Amidst this backdrop, Teodor, a peculiar twelve-year-old boy from a Czechoslovakian village, is entrusted with the care of Witez II. The story beautifully portrays their evolving relationship, and Witez II becomes a source of solace and empowerment for Teodor, who later discovers that he falls on what is now known as the autism spectrum.
"The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" masterfully combines the tension of a World War II military rescue mission with the challenges of resettlement in a foreign land, immersing readers in a world where courage and connection prevail. Evans' storytelling is both emotionally resonant and historically informative, making it a compelling read for young adults and equestrian enthusiasts alike. This book is a touching testament to the extraordinary bond between humans and animals, as well as a reminder of the strength found in unlikely friendships.

[James Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" is a captivating and heartwarming tale that beautifully combines history, the bond between humans and horses, and the exploration of a unique character's journey. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book delves into the clandestine world of Hitler's obsession with purebred horses while introducing readers to the extraordinary connection between a peculiar twelve-year-old boy named Teodor and the illustrious Arabian stallion, Witez II.

What sets this book apart is its ability to intertwine the suspense of a military rescue operation with the emotional depth of Teodor's personal growth. Teodor's journey is not just about caring for Witez II but also about finding his own voice in a world where understanding and acceptance of autism were limited.

The author's meticulous research shines through, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the wartime atmosphere and the significance of the horses in that context. The narrative is filled with tender moments between Teodor and Witez II, emphasizing the healing power of animals.

"The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" is a touching and inspiring read that tugs at the heartstrings. It reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of unconditional love, both from animals and fellow humans. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, horse lovers, and anyone seeking a poignant and uplifting story.

[Nathan Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes beyond being just another horse story; it seamlessly blends historical events with the tender bond between a remarkable Arabian stallion, Witez II, and an extraordinary young boy named Teodor.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Evans skillfully brings to light the lesser-known Nazi breeding program aimed at creating the perfect war horse. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, she reveals the harsh realities of those dark times while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and compassion.

One aspect that truly touches the heart is Evans' portrayal of Teodor, a non-communicative autistic boy, and his transformative journey alongside Witez II. As Teodor finds solace and purpose in caring for the magnificent stallion, he discovers his voice and strength amidst the chaos of war. The tender moments shared between Teodor and Witez II are filled with authenticity and emotion, evoking a profound sense of empathy and admiration.

Furthermore, Evans' portrayal of autism during a time when little was understood about the condition is both sensitive and enlightening. Through Teodor's perspective, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and the transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance.

The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy draws readers into a world brimming with courage, compassion, and the enduring bond between a boy and his horse.

[Ann Feifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love horses, so of course the title and book cover caught my eye.

The Famous Arabian Horse Witez II, lives in a stable with an important stallion breeding program in Czechoslovakia. All the stallions needed protection from being taken by the Nazis.

Before meeting Witez, Teodor his "Peculiar" stable boy, lived in a shell with what we now know as Autism. Teodor struggles through his young life with Autism back when they didn't have a name for it. His father grew very frustrated with Teodor's lack of communication and was abusive towards his son. Teodor's mother loved her son dearly, and showed him only kindness and understanding, realizing that he was "peculiar" in many ways.

At age 11, having never been around horses, Teodor began working in the stallion stable during WWII. He was appointed to care for the famed Arabian stallion, Witez. The stallion instantly took to the boy and they both blossomed.

Hitler needed horses for the war, and didn't care about preserving the bloodlines of Arabian, Lipizzans, or Thoroughbred horses. Teodor and other horsemen of varying nationalities, enemies or not, worked towards saving these horses. Teodor finds himself on a boat with his horse bound for America where the pair impresses horse people wherever they go.

An easy, interesting historical read. Well-written with correct grammar and I found no spelling errors.

[Reid Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly know nothing about horses and am quite allergic to them, but I went through a phase (long before Asperger's was in the common vernacular) where I would draw and draw and draw horses... or maybe it was just a 10-year-old girl thing. Anyway, I kind of expected to go into this reading "War Horse" meets "Temple Grandin" but it was a pleasant and informative story that didn't try to anthropomorphize the animals or play down Teodor's challenges—or how close people on the autism spectrum can connect to their animals.

There is enough excitement and uncertainty to keep the story going, but it's also a safe place where everything works out in the end. Some liberties are taken, but overall it was a nice, educational book that is interesting for adults, but probably more age-appropriate for 10-18 year olds.

As a lot of the names/places/events are real, I did connect on a personal level to a lot of different and seemingly random mentions, so that gave me an extra bit of connection to the story.

I'm not keen on crying over a story, but if you can lose me in the story enough to evoke a genuine emotion from my detached facade, you've won points for a good book in my eyes.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could a poor little boy with Autism do during WWII? We know that Autism wasn't defined during this time period, but we love learning about Teodor. His wise mother sent her son to groom a horse that he had really connected with.

During the war the Germans had collected hundreds of horses to use in the military campaigns. Hundreds were kept at Hostau and so they needed many people to watch them and protect. As the Russian army closes in on Hostau, they knew that the horses would be slaughtered for food.

Moving the horses to the American line was the only way to save them. Although the readers may be looking at the history in this book, there is much to see in the relationships. Teodor and his horse Witez II had a deep connection and the boy made great progress through the experience.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 

[DeNise Malanchuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads give away. I come from a horse family and enjoy reading World War 2 books, so this book was a good fit. I knew Hitler had a perfect warhorse breeding program, but I loved all the little tidbits of facts scattered throughout this book. I learned quite a bit from this little book. I loved the relationship between horses and humans even though the main human characters were mostly fiction. I also loved how this book brought awareness to Autism and how therapeutic horses have been, are, and can be. While this aspect was a thrill to witness, I did feel the favor that German soldiers showed to an autistic boy may have been a reach. Hitler engrained his soldiers for a desire of perfection, and autism is far from perfection, so the mercy and favor shown to Teodar seems a little unrealistic to me. I'm glad Evans explains in the epilogue that Teodar and his experience are complete fictional themes. Having said that, I still appreciate the time taken to bring awareness to Autism and equine therapy.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦋Some books, they just come in your life like blessing and this is one of them! What a marvellous creation I must say, this book taught me so so much! I was completely involved in it while I was reading it and it has to be one of favourite reads of the month!

The book is inspired by a real life story and is tale of heart warming bond between a horse and boy and I really loved how it proceeds, like living the story made filled my heart with pain but also with gratitude, like how much we take our lives and happiness for granted and being set into a different era, this book also showcases a very different perspective.

The language is easy and I would say it’s a character driven story rather than just being plot based, here the characters are the king of the story and loved how magical it’s made with the help of emotions! This book really made a place in my heart.

The author herself is a horse lover and she really speaks their language, I would not say more just pick this book, it’s truly a beautiful experience. Definitely recommended.

Rating: 4.5⭐️

[Kimberly Burnstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction book based on the real horse Witez, and the fictional boy, Teodor, the boy who loved him. It is near the end of WWII, in a small german town called Hostau. The Germans had hundreds of prized horses stabled there in a breeding program meant to breed the world's best war horses. The story is both about the boy and his beloved stallion and also the efforts taken to save the hundreds of horses at the end of the war.

Teodor has autism which is very clear to the modern reader, but was unknown in the 1940s. He has a rough life with his father who doesn't understand what is wrong with his son. When boy meets horse, his life changes and becomes infinitely better. Witez and Teodor build a bond like no other. Taking care of his horse is the perfect opportunity for the boy who likes nothing better than routine and order. The horse seems to see into Teodors soul. It is a beautiful relationship.

The writing and research in this novel are topnotch. I truly enjoyed both the history and incredible tale of these two unlikely, kindred spirits.

[Cathy Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an animal lover and a counsellor who has worked with autistic children and teens my entire life, this book was for me. I understand the relationship between animals and horses, in particular because we took our students to a therapeutic horse farm weekly and the students gained so much confidence from grooming and riding the horses.
This story added another layer of historical relevance, placing the setting in wartimes in Europe and the U.S. It is based on real life events and this made the story rich and satisfying.
Although, Teodor is a fictional character, I found his portrayal to be realistic and I appreciated the historical relevance to the false belief that autism is caused by frigid, cold mothers. Mothers, over the centuries have gotten a bad rap, being blamed for their children’s behaviour and this squashed that nasty rumour right at the beginning, painting Teodor’s mother as loving and kind.

[Readermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second M.J. Evans book, and I found this one to be as charming as the last. Evan beautifully melds history with interesting characters and stories that have heart. I relished seeing Teodor grow, learn, and find purpose. Teodor is pushed to try many new experiences, but he does it all for the love of Witez. At one point, his journey brought happy tears to my eyes.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the term “peculiar” in this day and age; however, Evans handles the topic of autism delicately and has done her research.
I would happily hand this book over to my young (and older) teen readers. The main characters demonstrate kindness, compassion, dedication, and bravery. I heartily recommend this if you’re homeschooling (or not!) and have a horse lover or are looking for new historical fiction to round out your history curriculum.

[J. Witcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by MJ Evans. I have loved stories of horses since I fell in love with Walter Farleys black stallion books as a boy. But this wasn’t just a novel about horses. Mixed in with scary moments of war, it is the story of the courage of men who decide to risk their lives and careers to save these special horses for future generations.

It is also the story of one special horse and one special boy. Imagine you’re a child caught up in war and your only true friend is a magnificent Arabian horse. Imagine having to give up everything you know to rescue this horse. In addition, you don’t look at the world like other people. You are different.

The special boy and horse end up going on a journey that is not always easy and not always happy, but will bless every readers heart.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the final years of WWII, this is the story of a boy and a horse that develop an unbreakable bond. The Germans had people working on creating the perfect warhorse and eventually had almost 600 horses in their care. The horse was part of this program when the boy found him.

The emotions in this book will stay with you after you finish reading. I didn’t know about this part of the war and am glad I read about it. The people that care for the horses truly love them and give them the best care. They take the boy in and treat him with respect. I loved how the author wrote the characters. You can’t help but like them even though they are in the German military. This is an inspiring story that anyone will love. Thank you to the author for writing this story.