Raven Publishing, Inc. 
Miranda and Starlight revised edition won a Notable book award from Writers Notes Magazine for the young adult category.
Press Release
"Miranda and Starlight, Revised Edition, by Janet Muirhead Hill won the Notable Book Award (Writer’s Notes Awards, March 2004). First in a series of six books about the adventures and love shared by two spirited creatures; a girl and her horse, this new edition will keep readers aged 8-13 riveted from the first page to the last. It addresses many issues that face today’s youth in a sensitive and memorable way.
Ten-year-old Miranda Stevens deals with many modern day challenges within her family, at school, and on the horse ranch where her favorite equine friend fights for his life. In this novel, she learns many valuable lessons as her impulsive nature gets her into trouble and forces her to take on challenges uncommon to children her age. When the nearly two year old stallion that is the love of her life becomes injured, due to her own negligence, the focus of her life is to rescue him from the demise planned by Mr. Taylor, Starlight’s crotchety old owner. Miranda is faced with many choices through which she learns the importance of being true to herself.
It has been shown that kids who read “true fiction” (stories about real children fictionalized to appeal to the young reader) are better able to identify their own feelings and discuss them with adults they trust. Miranda and Starlight, a 168 page, illustrated novel about a ten-year-old girl and a horse, addresses many issues typical to this age group. Miranda experiences feelings of abandonment when she is sent to live with grandparents, suffers loneliness and loss of self-esteem when she doesn’t fit in at school and when the class bully belittles her. Other issues such as the consequences of lying and impulsive behavior and confronting consequences are presented in books that engage the reader and model healthy solutions. Through her dedication and loyalty to the injured horse, Starlight, Miranda learns to face her fears and stand up for her own convictions.
Miranda and Starlight is the first of a six book series that is gaining growing popularity with young readers. Throughout the series Miranda will encounter many more issues and be forced to take a stand for what she believes to be right. Other issues dealt with in sequels are racism, drug use, friendship issues, teen romance, jealousy, sibling rivalry, adoption, perseverance, courage, and forgiveness. When teen and preteen children find it hard to discuss their problems, a “true fiction” novel can provide a subtle, non-confrontational means for them to identify and articulate their own feelings and problems—through the discussion of a sympathetic character.
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Price $12.00 |
 Click on image to view Table of Contents. Miranda and Starlight Cross Curriculum Unit for use when home schooling or in the classroom.
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