PONY

In 1860, three horsemen arrive in the middle of the night, forcing Martin Bird to go with them and changing his 12-year-old son Silas's life forever. Narrator Ian M. Hawkins brings to life this atmospheric story of the power and resilience of love as he gives the large cast of characters unique voices. Pa's calm voice lives on in Silas's head, reminding him of the knowledge and skills he has. When the bald-faced pony reappears, Silas, sounding fearful but determined, mounts and, with Mittenwool, his life-long ghost companion, he follows Pa. Hawkins voices the gruff, gravelly voiced Marshall Farmer, calm Sheriff Chalfont, skeptical Deputy Beautyman, and smug Ollerenshaw with equal ease. Palacio shares her author's note in a friendly voice, providing fascinating historical context on the American frontier. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2021]