Marguerite Henry

This Newberry Honor book is one of the many horse books by this popular author. Published in 1947, it was written after a 1946 visit to Pony Penning Day or "The Pony Swim" on Assateague Island near Chincoteague Island, Virginia. The story of Misty is based on a real life silvery-gray colt discovered during this annual round-up of wild horses on the island. The members of the Beebe family are also important characters including siblings Paul and Maureen who bid on and win Misty at the auction following the roundup which serves as a fundraiser for the local fire department. It is a wonderful book for 8-12 year olds and the story is continued on in "Stormy, Misty's Foal", "Sea Star Orphan of Chincoteague", and "Misty's Twilight." My daughter loved reading all of these books!