Light Horse Boy by Dianne Wolfer and illustrated by Brian Simmonds.

Review by guest reviewer Madeline Gardener.

Light Horse Boy is a book about a 17-year-old boy who goes with his 18-year-old friend called Charlie. Jim is recruited to the Light Horse by lying about his age and because he was a great equestrian rider. He realized the reality of the frontline when Charlie and his friend Bob passed away and Jim’s mate Chook (Tom) was sent back to Australia after he was shot in the forearm. Jim went with his horse Breaker. Jim was employed into lots of different areas such as the Infantry, Medic corps and Veterinary corps. There are letters from Jim to Alice and vice versa, Jim also wrote to Bob’s mother, and Chook wrote to Jim. These letters were written over the different years of the war and this book was based in the Great War also known as The War to End All Wars or World War I. This book talks about the Light Horse in Egypt, Turkey and Jordan.

The book has wonderful charcoal illustrations and work with the theme of the book. The charcoal effect brings out gloomy and sad feelings and emotions of the characters. The illustrations are realistic and you do not have to stare at the pictures to make out what they are depicting.

I think that Light Horse Boy is a great book and I would recommend it for kids 10-14 years old who like reading about animals serving humans and being respected. The animals in the book were loyal and you could imagine them being at your side whatever the situation even if a gunfight broke out. I really liked the book because of the storyline and time era.