The Island Stallion

The Island Stallion

Author: Walter Farley

ISBN: 0394843762

Publisher: Random House, 2003

Ages: 9-12

Genre: Adventure, Classics

Summary: Steve Duncan is dropped off on a deserted island to look for ruins and ends up finding much more when he sees a flame colored horse on a cliff face.  While investigating the island to find the horse he discovers tunnels dug by the Spanish Conquistadors that lead to a hidden valley inhabited by a band of horses led by the flame colored stallion.  The horses are completely unapproachable and wild, but when Steve saves Flame’s life an unusual friendship begins which eventually changes both of their lives forever.

Read A-likes: The Black Stallion, The Black Stallion Returns, Son of the Black Stallion, and The Black Stallion and Satan.

Personal Thoughts: I lived for horses when I was young, and this story embodied all of my dreams…finding a beautiful wild stallion in a wild place and taming him.  An adventure story for both boys and girls which has stood the test of time.  A total classic about unique friendships and survival.