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November 1, 2010

Thompson uses the time of the Roman Empire as the setting for another horse story for younger readers (Highway Robbery, 2009). Young Marcus recounts the adventure that begins when a hurried slave abruptly turns over care of Emperor Caligula's horse, "Consul" Incitatus, to him. Although there's an undeniable thrill to having the responsibility for such a fine steed, Marcus, a baker's boy, is all too aware of the consequences that could befall his entire family if he should manage this wrong. But he's clever, resourceful and observant, and by paying attention to all the clues of daily life, he manages beautifully. The short page count, fast-paced plot and spot illustrations (not seen) should make this a great title for readers not yet ready for longer fiction. Although Marcus is not quite as unreliable as the earlier book's narrator, this tale is significantly more sophisticated in both writing and plot than the common chapter-book ruck. Horse lovers will appreciate Incitatus's horse sense, and fans of such other wily protagonists as Moxy Maxwell and Ivy + Bean will cheer Marcus's solution. (Historical fiction. 8-10)

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November 1, 2010

Gr 4-6-This companion to the author's Highway Robbery (Greenwillow, 2009) begins in the same way: a lad is handed the reins of a horse and told to take care of the animal until its owner returns. Set in ancient Rome, this is the story of the mad emperor Caligula's infamous horse, Incitatus, who was one of two consuls, appointed by the tyrannical and crazy emperor. The animal has his own house and retinue of servants, and is fed gold flakes in his oats. Marcus, a baker's son, is handed the horse by a slave boy who seconds later is killed by soldiers. Fearing what the mad emperor, known as Little Boots, will do to him if he finds that he has Incitatus, Marcus instinctively heads home, a decision that could mean a death sentence for his whole family if the soldiers discover the horse. Should he sacrifice himself to save his family? This brief chapter book is nicely suited for reading aloud or for those independent readers who enjoy their adventure and history touched with humor. Marcus's voice is engaging and credible. There are enough references to murder, from the soldiers' killing of the slave boy to descriptions of some of Little Boots's nefarious deeds, to make this story more appropriate for slightly older children than it would seem at first glance. A cleverly told tale of an odd and interesting piece of history that will intrigue young readers.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2010
Grades 3-5 In this slight but diverting twin to Thompsons Highway Robbery (2009), an insignificant bakers son is given the dubious honor of guarding a legendary horse. When a slave thrusts the reins of Incitatus into his hands, Marcus thinks first to return the horse to the capitol. After all, Incitatus is also one of Romes most powerful officials, having been named consul by the mad emperor Gaius (based on Caligula). Then soldiers murder the slave, and Marcus ends up racing for his life on Incitatus back. After a tense night rife with rumors of Gaius death, Marcus becomes unsure if he is protecting the horse or stealing it. To save his family, he nobly returns the horse, leading to him directly influencing the coronation of Emperor Claudius. The twistMarcus may be snowing a foreigner with a tall tale about his famed cart horsewill come as no surprise to Highway Robbery readers, but this is still a good choice for readers wanting a short, fast-paced historical adventure. Black-and-white illustrations were unavailable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)