Reviews:

""Miranda and Starlight" is the first book in a series of six called the Starlight Series that features a 10 year old girl and her horse. Miranda Stevens is a sweet, but feisty young girl who is living with her grandparents in Montana while her single mother in Los Angeles is trying to make it as an actress. Embarrassed by her untraditional upbringing, Miranda finds it hard to make friends. She is shunned by the "Magnificent Four" as she calls the close-knit pack of girls in her class. And she is constantly tormented by bully Chris Bergman.

If Miranda could have three wishes, they would be for a friend, a real family, and a horse of her very own. On the first day of fifth grade, at least one of those wishes comes true when she meets the new girl, Laurie Langley. She also meets the horse of her dreams that day when bully Chris dares her to ride a horse they see in the pasture next to the school. Miranda, gets in trouble, but falls in love with the black horse she names Starlight for the white star on his forelock.

This fast-paced adventure is great for young readers being introduced to chapter books. A few interspersed illustrations help young minds form an impression of the events being described. And the fact that this is a series leaves the reader wanting to know more and encourages them to pick up the next book.

This story brought back memories of myself as a young girl with a horse. The author accurately describes the responsibility and love needed to care for a horse. She not only portrays the fun of riding, but the hard work of cleaning stalls and grooming the horses.

I look forward to the rest of the series to find out how Miranda's relationship evolves not only with the horse, but all of the other people in her life. Since she has started to help Chris with riding lessons, they seem to be becoming friends. She learns the price she pays when lying to adults, especially her grandparents. And the most difficult relationship of all is with her mother, who wants her to come live with her in California, at the same time that Miranda is finally getting some of her wishes to come true in Montana."
--April Sullivan for Reader Views  (5/06)

"Excellent for the whole family: My daughter, who loves horses just about more than anything else, loved this story. Since she isn't able to read at this level yet we would sit down every evening and read a few chapters together. My daughter, son and husband all enjoyed the story and each one got something different from it. We can't wait to read the sequel..."
--Nancy (12/02)

"A highly recommended story for young readers.   Miranda Stevens is a lonely fifth grader who feels that if she only had a horse of her own everything else in her life would be okay. Then in response to a dare by Chris, a boy who has a habit of bullying others, she mounts a beautiful black horse named Starlight who is pastured in a field just beyond the schoolyard fence and begins a wonderful adventure of scrapes, narrow escapes and quandaries that teach Miranda life lessons in honesty, trust and courage. Beautiful black and white illustrations by Pat Lehmkuhl enhanced Janet Muirhead Hill's charming and highly recommended story for young readers."
--Midwest Book Review , (8/02)

*****"Miranda Stevens had been sent to live with her grandparents while her mother searched for work as a model. At school she felt left out and alone. She was the only girl in class who did not own a horse. Miranda was sure that if she only had a horse of her own nothing else would matter.
      Then a new girl, Laurie Langley, came to the school. While still getting to know each other, they met Christopher Bergman.
      When Christopher dared Miranda to ride the most beautiful horse she had ever seen, she never hesitated. That dare began a series of adventures for the three friends.
      This new series is PERFECT for both boys and girls, especially if they are fond of horses! The author shows that if you act without thinking the consequences can be dire indeed!
      The story is very well written, flows smoothly, and is easy to understand. The adventures of Miranda will keep young readers glued to the book as they watch the trio of friends learn lessons of honesty and loyalty. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SERIES! "*****
--Detra Fitch for HUNTRESS REVIEWS (3/03)

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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. To request a returnable sample copy or to ask questions click here. Click here for discounts on the book to accompany the Curriculum Unit. Price $17.00