Pony

 Pony by R. J. Palacio

A Book Review by Charlize from the Miami Branch (Spoilers may be ahead)

Genre: Junior Fiction | Pages: 289 | Stars: 5/5

Thought Provoking: 4/5 | Laughs: 1/5 | Tears: 2/5

Would you recommend this book to someone, why or why not?

I would absolutely recommend this book! It’s perfect for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers alike. It was very well written and well researched. The main characters were likeable, and the further I got into the story, the more I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened. 

How did the author keep you interested throughout the story?

Right from the beginning there was intrigue. I have read many historical fiction books, but none included characters that were ghosts in the way that this book did. The supernatural aspect drew me in, along with wondering how Silas would find his kidnapped father. 

How did this book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?

It challenged my perspective on ghosts. Oftentimes ghosts are portrayed as frightening, but Mittenwool, the main specter in the story, was a kind friend to Silas.

How does this book compare to other books by the same author or in the same genre?

I have read Wonder, Auggie and Me, and White Bird by R.J. Palacio and would highly recommend all of them. In my opinion, Pony was completely different from her other books. The tone, setting, and time period were all quite different. However, it was just as profound as her other books, and I enjoyed it just as much. 

Who was your favourite character and why?

My favourite characters were Silas and Mittenwool. Silas was a likeable main character- he was kind and empathetic even when people weren’t treating him very nicely. I found it quite interesting how he could see and talk to ghosts. Mittenwool was a very intriguing character from the beginning. He was a ghost who had been living with Silas since he was a baby. Throughout the book, I was curious about Mittenwool’s past, who he was, and why he was with Silas. 

Who was the character you disagreed with the most, and why?

The characters I disagreed with the most were the counterfeiters Rufe Jones and Roscoe Ollerenshaw. They were greedy, violent, and cruel.

How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying or did you want more?

It was a bittersweet ending, but in my opinion, it was the perfect ending for this book. I liked the fact that we got to learn what Silas did after the events of the book and what he did when he grew up. Many of the questions I had about Mittenwool were answered at the end, including the origins of his distinctive name. All the loose ends were tied up nicely. 

There is a lengthy Author’s Note at the end which was quite interesting to read. It was fascinating to hear what inspired the book and all the little things from R.J. Palacio’s life that made their way into the story. The Author’s Note gave me a better appreciation for the story itself.

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