FICTION

Midnight: A True Story of Loyalty in World War I.

by Mark GREENWOOD
Midnight: A True Story of Loyalty in World War I. illus. by Frané Lessac. 32p. Candlewick. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763674663.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 4—This gorgeous picture book tells the story of a black foal named Midnight and his owner, Guy, who headed off together to the cavalry in World War I. They were separated in Egypt, when only soldiers were needed on the Turkish coast, but Guy returned as soon as he could to find Midnight. He succeeded, and they began desert patrol together near Beersheba where Midnight was killed in one of the last great cavalry charges of history, saving her rider. The battles aren't depicted graphically (there's no blood seen, just a few bodies on stretchers). The style of the writing and illustrations look ideal for younger readers, but most children this age will have only limited knowledge of World War I.
VERDICT Presented with some context, this book may make a suitable addition for historical units.
Reviewed by Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX
Much context is needed to make sense of this story set in Australia, Turkey, and Egypt. Spare, elegant text tells of a 1917 battle of the Australian Light Horse Regiments, focusing on the relationship between a lieutenant and his horse, Midnight. Detailed folk art–style paintings add some clarity to the plot, as does an author's note containing historical background and photographs. Bib.
, May 01, 2015

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