Miranda and Starlight
Starlight's Courage
The Starlight Books, 1 & 2
By Janet Muirhead Hill 
Illustrated by Pat Lehmkuhl

      These two books are the beginning of a compelling series about Miranda Stevens and Starlight, the horse she loves. Miranda is a feisty, strong-willed girl who knows what she wants and is willing to go to almost any lengths to make her dreams come true.

      Miranda wouldn't mind living on her grandparent's farm without her mother if she could just have a horse of her own. Making friends in the new school is difficult, but the new girl, Laurie, and the class bully, Christopher, do become Miranda's friends. When Miranda and Chris see the horses pastured across from the school, Chris dares Miranda to ride the beautiful black horse and her troubles begin, setting off a series of exciting adventures. Miranda takes every opportunity to see Starlight, and considers him her own, much to the distress of her grandparents and the man who owns him.

      Chris owns a horse, and his parents have enrolled him in several competitions, but he is really afraid to ride. Miranda takes on the difficult job of teaching Chris about horses so he can compete in the Winter Fair.

      In the second book, Starlight is seriously injured because of Miranda's mistake. In this exciting sequel, both Miranda and her beloved horse must have courage and loyalty to overcome the obstacles they encounter. The action is non-stop in this fast paced adventure with a genuine villain. Either story can be read alone, but as a series it is outstanding for its forceful plot and characters whom you will love. Great contemporary horse stories are hard to find...Miranda and Starlight's adventures will please any horse lover and encourage their interest in reading.