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Most Wanted
While making his daily deliveries, a baker’s son suddenly finds himself holding a stallion’s golden lead. Soon the boy discovers that this isn’t just any horse, it’s the most powerful creature in all of Rome. What will the mad emperor do if he finds the boy with his prized horse?Cut off his head? Or worse?
144 pages, Hardcover
Published November 23, 2010
2 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Kate Thompson
63 books151 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Kate Thompson is an award-winning writer for children and adults.She has lived in Ireland, where many of her books are set, since 1981. She is the youngest child of the social historians and peace activists E. P. Thompson and Dorothy Towers. She worked with horses and travelled in India before settling in the west of Ireland with her partner Conor. They have two daughters, Cliodhna and Dearbhla. She is an accomplished fiddler with an interest in Irish traditional music, reflected in The New Policeman.
While Kate Thompson's children's fiction is primarily fantasy, several of her books also deal with the consequences of genetic engineering.
She has won the Bisto Children's Book of the Year Award four times, for The Beguilers, The Alchemist's Apprentice, Annan Water and The New Policeman. The New Policeman was also awarded the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Dublin Airport Authority Children's Book of the Year Award for 2005.
Kate Thompson is an award-winning writer for children and adults.She has lived in Ireland, where many of her books are set, since 1981. She is the youngest child of the social historians and peace activists E. P. Thompson and Dorothy Towers. She worked with horses and travelled in India before settling in the west of Ireland with her partner Conor. They have two daughters, Cliodhna and Dearbhla. She is an accomplished fiddler with an interest in Irish traditional music, reflected in The New Policeman.
While Kate Thompson's children's fiction is primarily fantasy, several of her books also deal with the consequences of genetic engineering.
She has won the Bisto Children's Book of the Year Award four times, for The Beguilers, The Alchemist's Apprentice, Annan Water and The New Policeman. The New Policeman was also awarded the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the Dublin Airport Authority Children's Book of the Year Award for 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 10, 2014
This was a really nice short read. I liked the way that it was so easy to read which would be very appealing to reluctant readers. The relationship between the boy and the horse was lovely and I loved the ending. It gave you a real sense of roman times and how powerful the hold was by the Caesar over the people. Overall a good little book.
October 24, 2021
Cute story in times of Caesar in Rome!
July 20, 2020
Easy to read. I could read it quite fast. Drawings on the book helped me understand the story. Though all the name of Rome weren't familiar for me, it was quite fun to read. Once I picked the book, I find my self keep reading it.
December 20, 2010
Award-winning British author Kate Thompson, perhaps best known for The New Policeman, transports us to ancient Rome in her newest book, a slim volume perfect for those just starting out with chapter books.
When the book opens, our hero, Marcus, a humble baker's son, suddenly finds himself holding a magnificent horse--one with a blanket of royal purple, a collar studded with precious jewels, and a lead rope of solid gold. This is no ordinary steed--this is Incitatus, named as Consul by the crazy Emperor Gaius Caligula, referred to in the novel as Little Boots because he often wore miniature soldiers' boots as a child.
Something big is happening, but all Marcus can do is head for home on the back of the noble horse, who outruns soldiers and jumps over carts to make it back to Marcus' family compound. With the horse temporarily hidden away in the family bakery, the family learns that there's a rumor the emperor is dead. And what to do with the horse? Marcus' grandmother insists he's signed a death sentence for the whole family by bringing Incitatus to their property. But in the meantime, he's a consul, and must be treated as an honored guest!
Marcus, as Incitatus' new companion, soon is witness to the coronation of the next emperor, Gaius' stuttering uncle Claudius, and saves Incitatus from sacrifice to the gods. A happy ending is in store as the horse, stripped of his consular ranking, takes on a new role--delivering bread to the people of Rome.
An author's note at the end of the book explains that while Caligula and Incitatus actually existed, Caligula never really made Incitatus a consul, although he threatened to do so.
This book's fast-paced story, with its mix of adventure, humor, and some history as well, should appeal to those children who are just stepping up from beginning readers to chapter books. The book is abundantly illustrated with whimsical, cartoon-like black and white drawings by Jonny Duddle which add both humor and immediacy to the narrative. It's also a good choice for horse lovers who are looking for something different than the usual girl-focused horse stories.
When the book opens, our hero, Marcus, a humble baker's son, suddenly finds himself holding a magnificent horse--one with a blanket of royal purple, a collar studded with precious jewels, and a lead rope of solid gold. This is no ordinary steed--this is Incitatus, named as Consul by the crazy Emperor Gaius Caligula, referred to in the novel as Little Boots because he often wore miniature soldiers' boots as a child.
Something big is happening, but all Marcus can do is head for home on the back of the noble horse, who outruns soldiers and jumps over carts to make it back to Marcus' family compound. With the horse temporarily hidden away in the family bakery, the family learns that there's a rumor the emperor is dead. And what to do with the horse? Marcus' grandmother insists he's signed a death sentence for the whole family by bringing Incitatus to their property. But in the meantime, he's a consul, and must be treated as an honored guest!
Marcus, as Incitatus' new companion, soon is witness to the coronation of the next emperor, Gaius' stuttering uncle Claudius, and saves Incitatus from sacrifice to the gods. A happy ending is in store as the horse, stripped of his consular ranking, takes on a new role--delivering bread to the people of Rome.
An author's note at the end of the book explains that while Caligula and Incitatus actually existed, Caligula never really made Incitatus a consul, although he threatened to do so.
This book's fast-paced story, with its mix of adventure, humor, and some history as well, should appeal to those children who are just stepping up from beginning readers to chapter books. The book is abundantly illustrated with whimsical, cartoon-like black and white drawings by Jonny Duddle which add both humor and immediacy to the narrative. It's also a good choice for horse lovers who are looking for something different than the usual girl-focused horse stories.
March 11, 2011
There’s something about Kate Thompson’s writing that I just like. Her books are slim and, as far as adult readers may be concerned, slim in character development as well, but she tells a great story. Kate Thompson is a storyteller, no doubt about it.
This story takes place just as the death of the emperor Caligula is announced, but is the announcement real or a trick? The most important thing to know about Caligula (the real man and the character) is that he was absolutely insane and his reign was, in a word, frightening. The terror the characters all feel is palatable as they try to decide what to do about the predicament they find themselves in.
As people, the characters weren’t overly developed, but this isn’t that kind of book. The strength of this book is that the main character is vessel for you to use to insert yourself into the story. In this way, I was sucked into the story and felt like I was actually there. It was so much fun reading about the events (I was at the edge of my seat wondering how things would work out), but it was also pretty educational.
For such a small book, there’s a whole lot of historical facts packed in. I love history and know a decent bit about Roman history already, but the target audience will probably be enthralled by all of the fantastic—but true!—historical details. Kate Thompson also completely avoided lengthy paragraphs with dry facts. These details just flow naturally and never felt like they were bogging down the story.
This would be a perfect book to read aloud and a great addition to classroom shelves. I highly recommend this for the target audience (9-12) as well as older readers. I think even adults will find enjoyment here, though know you’re getting more of a well-told short story than a full novel.
P.S. The cover illustrator is ok, but the illustrations inside the book are amazing. The people are cute and the horse is gorgeous.
Originally posted at Small Review
This story takes place just as the death of the emperor Caligula is announced, but is the announcement real or a trick? The most important thing to know about Caligula (the real man and the character) is that he was absolutely insane and his reign was, in a word, frightening. The terror the characters all feel is palatable as they try to decide what to do about the predicament they find themselves in.
As people, the characters weren’t overly developed, but this isn’t that kind of book. The strength of this book is that the main character is vessel for you to use to insert yourself into the story. In this way, I was sucked into the story and felt like I was actually there. It was so much fun reading about the events (I was at the edge of my seat wondering how things would work out), but it was also pretty educational.
For such a small book, there’s a whole lot of historical facts packed in. I love history and know a decent bit about Roman history already, but the target audience will probably be enthralled by all of the fantastic—but true!—historical details. Kate Thompson also completely avoided lengthy paragraphs with dry facts. These details just flow naturally and never felt like they were bogging down the story.
This would be a perfect book to read aloud and a great addition to classroom shelves. I highly recommend this for the target audience (9-12) as well as older readers. I think even adults will find enjoyment here, though know you’re getting more of a well-told short story than a full novel.
P.S. The cover illustrator is ok, but the illustrations inside the book are amazing. The people are cute and the horse is gorgeous.
Originally posted at Small Review
May 9, 2014
Not sure what or where the author was going with this...on the plus side it was a short simple read - perfect for the struggling reader - but because of the actual story the reader would have to be about ten years old and that would place them in fourth or fifth grade - my opinion is it clearly is not a story for the lower grades if only because it is loosely based on Caligula and lets face it - third graders aren't really doing 'Caligula'...Marcus is bringing home an empty bread cart when out of the blue this kid runs by and drops the horse reins into his hand before taking off...since Marcus can't seem to shake loose the horse he takes it home where his family berates and belittles him for being the worst curse the family has ever had...really?...and then Marcus decides to take the horse back where it belongs and ends up being rewarded by being gifted with the animal...not sure any of it read with more effort than words on paper...the art work was nice...so I am going with a practice read for the struggling fifth grader - otherwise pass and grab a book with more meat
January 6, 2011
A swift, funny, and, yes, educational read for 8-to-12 year-olds who love horses. On a cold winter day in 1st-century Rome, the narrator, a baker's young son, finds himself holding the reins of a beautiful white horse. Then he's being chased by soldiers - and then, to his horror and his family's, he discovers the horse belongs to the cruel emperor Caligula, and he and his family are liable to be punished as horse thieves. What can Marcus do to rescue himself and his family? The plot moves along as briskly as Incitatus the horse, and Thompson's dry wit is delightful. As with her earlier books in the series, an experienced reader may wonder whether Marcus is a reliable narrator, but that is part of the charm. A fun book! It may not aspire to great heights, but what it sets out to do, it does perfectly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2010
Based on the real incident of a Roman emperor threatening to appoint a horse to high office, this is a very short tale of the chaos that came to Rome at the fall of the emperor Caligula. For purposes of making the story more exciting, the author changed the tale slightly, so that Caligula actually has appointed his horse as a consul.
Because the focus is so narrowly on the horse and a boy who rescues him, the tale moves along very swiftly. There is very little room for character development of any peripheral characters, but younger readers won't miss it, as the boy and the horse are very clear in the reader's mind.
The story is very interesting and an amazingly quick read.
Because the focus is so narrowly on the horse and a boy who rescues him, the tale moves along very swiftly. There is very little room for character development of any peripheral characters, but younger readers won't miss it, as the boy and the horse are very clear in the reader's mind.
The story is very interesting and an amazingly quick read.
February 5, 2017
Set in the Roman Empire, young Marcus is a baker’s son on his way back home when a slave boy hands him an expensive looking stallion’s lead and runs off. It turns out the horse is none other than the Consul Incitatus himself. When rumours start flying that the Emperor is dead and soldiers are out looking for Incitatus, Marcus must try to protect the horse and find out what is really happening.
A quick read, this is a good early chapter book; illustrations help create the characters and add to the story.
A quick read, this is a good early chapter book; illustrations help create the characters and add to the story.
February 23, 2012
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5
Marcus, a baker's son in Ancient Rome, is thrust into danger when he inadvertently takes possession of Incitatus, the beloved horse of the blood-thirsty Emperor Caligula.
Other ancient world adventures include:
The Wadjet Eye by Jill Rubalcaba
Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld and
Atticus of Rome by Barry Denenberg
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
Marcus, a baker's son in Ancient Rome, is thrust into danger when he inadvertently takes possession of Incitatus, the beloved horse of the blood-thirsty Emperor Caligula.
Other ancient world adventures include:
The Wadjet Eye by Jill Rubalcaba
Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld and
Atticus of Rome by Barry Denenberg
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
July 31, 2012
Kate Thompson's chapter book Most Wanted is set in an ancient Rome ruled by the fearsome emperor "Little Boots" (loosely based on Caligula). Our hero is a young boy, a baker's son, who acts before he thinks and ends up involved with the horse Little Boots named as one of the top powers of the country.
It's a fun, fast, easy read with plenty for a horse or history lover to enjoy. (Big print.)
It's a fun, fast, easy read with plenty for a horse or history lover to enjoy. (Big print.)
February 10, 2014
I would have pegged this as a beginning chapter book; I almost started and finished it during lunch. 132 pages, double spaced, lots of pictures - then I looked up the Lexile level - 940L. According to that this is the hardest children's book I have read all month. I don't always know what to make of Lexiles. It's an okay boy historical fiction dating back to the Roman Empire. A good choice if you need a short book with a higher lexile.
March 12, 2011
Marcus, a baker's son, is suddenly asked to hold a beautiful stallion's lead. Soon he discovers that it's the mad emperor's consul. As soldiers rush toward them, Marcus jumps onto the horse and rides quickly to his compound. Marcus realizes that others are in danger of punishment because of the missing horse being hidden by him.
February 13, 2012
A young Marcus a Roman boy saves the life of Consel Incitatus whose power is second only to the Emperor Caligula. The problem is that Incitatus is a retired racehorse and the Roman's fear and hatred of Caligula has lead to revolt. The life of Consel Incitatus is in danger. The book gives a hint of what life was like under a wicked corrupt ruler with absolute power.
May 17, 2011
An interesting look at life in Ancient Rome. This was a quick read, and felt more like a short story than a whole novel. Unfortunately it is aimed at too young an audience for our sixth graders who study that time period.
June 18, 2016
A young boy is handed a stunning horse in ancient Rome and has to try to figure what to do with it.
The story and illustrations were very good but the writing was a bit simple.
Overall a reasonable read.
The story and illustrations were very good but the writing was a bit simple.
Overall a reasonable read.
September 6, 2010
3.5 stars.
February 25, 2011
Historical fiction set in Ancient Rome. A much needed "guys" book for grades 3-5.
March 3, 2011
Good historical fiction with lots of action and adventure.
March 9, 2011
Quick and funny. I hadn't expected much out of this one, but I found it quite enjoyable.
March 20, 2011
Illustrated by Jonny Duddle
August 15, 2011
I thought the vocabulary and concept were a bit odd/sophisticated for the intended audience, but kids who are crazy for horse stories might enjoy this. Charming illustrations.
March 7, 2016
A nice piece of historical fiction. Most kids will need some context setting and other explaining; the writer took some liberties with the history, which makes that a bit harder. Still, pretty good.
January 19, 2017
Fun! A quick trip to the days of the Roman Empire's decline.
November 22, 2014
Good simple read. Little bit of explicit imagery to do with killings.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews