R. J. Palacio's Pony offers a compelling adventure with well-drawn characters and a touching narrative. Readers praise its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. Some, however, find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt tale that resonates with both younger and older audiences.

Readers who enjoyed the heartfelt journey in Wonder will be captivated by Pony by R. J. Palacio. Targeting middle-grade readers, this historical adventure appeals to fans of Ghost by Jason Reynolds and Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, blending emotional depth with a compelling narrative.

In the mid-19th century Ohio town of Boneville, 12-year-old Silas Bird sets off on a journey to rescue his kidnapped father. Accompanied by his teenage ghost companion Mittenwool, a magical pony, and a mysterious US Marshal, Silas navigates through real-life and supernatural challenges, uncovering truths about love, loss, and self-discovery along the way. The book includes descriptions of violence and death.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Emotional / Melancholic / Inspirational

- Pony is R. J. Palacio's first novel outside the Wonder series, showcasing a departure from her previous works focused on contemporary school settings.
- Despite being set in the 19th century, Pony maintains themes of courage and self-discovery, resonating with the themes of kindness found in Palacio's previous books.
- The book features illustrations by R. J. Palacio herself, highlighting her multidimensional talents as both a writer and an artist.

R. J. Palacio

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Pony | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Pony Summary and Study Guide

Background

Pony Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 2

Pony Prologue-Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Parts 3-4

Pony Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Parts 5-6

Pony Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Parts 7-9

Pony Parts 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10-Epilogue

Pony Part 10-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Pony Character Analysis

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Themes

Pony Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Pony Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Pony Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Pony Essay Topics

Pony

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