It is summer and Read Around the World again! All summer people have been recommending books for students to read to learn more about cultures around the world. This is the 7th annual Read Around The World Summer Series for Multicultural Kid Blogs. It runs from June 15 – August 14 this year. You can find all the recommended books on social media with the hashtag #readaroundtheworld.
A Pony for Quarantine by Clare O’Beara is so much more than a “horse” book as by way of the pony theme it shares many life lessons for teens. Previously I reviewed and created teaching supplements for two of O’Beara’s other books, Rodeo Finn and Showjumping Team. Although not a trilogy, this is her third horse-theme book which is perfectly aligned with current events. The situation all families found themselves in last spring is described when Moya, age 13, is sent home from school. She is worried about if her family, and especially her gran, will become sick. She can hear neighbors cleaning to be prepared in the event they will be sick. Her own parents leave to shop for food, and although they might not get everything they want, will be able to get food. The store is only allowing 100 people inside at a time.
Remember those days? Reading this book, I remembered the feelings I first had when I heard of Covid-19 caused by novel coronavirus. The world seemed upside down. Everyone seemed scared as restaurants and schools closed. Mum gives Moya sage advice and is honest with her. It was reassuring to read those conversations which might help clarify the situation for some readers.
The setting of the story helped Moya continue to care for her pony which helped lower costs, but also gave her something nice to do during the lockdown. The stable was 2 kilometers from her house, the furthest people were allowed to travel. We learn about the other rules in Ireland at that time. The guards did question her once and asked for her phone number. People who did not live near the stable decided to turn their ponies out to the pasture. The cost of livery would otherwise have been too high.
Moya settles into online school and learns the ropes of muting her microphone and participating in her teacher’s Instagram group. Otherwise, she is not allowed on Instagram. She also cares for her younger brother who is autistic. The way the family cares for the brother is enlightening for people who are perhaps unfamiliar with neurodiversity. Gran is always in Moya’s thoughts, and she calls and sends videos to stay in contact.
The parents of pony riders have a clever thought to hold a virtual horse show. Behind the scenes, they decide to give prizes, as well, which is a complete surprise to Moya and the other riders. During the story, Moya is saving money for a rug (a blanket) for her pony which will be clipped short when the actual horse shows begin again. She does save enough money, which is another important life skill.
Of course, I made a teaching supplement for homeschools and teachers. It is a free instant download at the next link:
A-Pony-for-Quarantine-by-Clare-O-Beara-free-teaching-supplement
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy the other books, as well.
Carolyn
There are two pages of discussion questions for A Pony for Quarantine. Students should support their answers with text evidence by citing passages in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Matching names and descriptions will take some understanding of the story for students to be successful. This is where thinking while reading helps students understand the book.
This is a thinking page that shows what Moya considered before deciding how to care for her pony during the lockdown.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.3
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
A crossword puzzle and a word search are included in the student pages.
Students consider the points of view of some of Moya’s friends when completing the Instagram possible posts pages.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.6
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Students consider the points of view of some of Moya’s friends when completing the Instagram possible posts pages.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.6
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Clare O’Beara Author Interview
Clare O’Beara is a prolific, award-winning author who also happens to be a tree surgeon, national showjumping champion, book reviewer for Fresh Fiction, previous MENSA leader and volunteer, and advocate for gifted education among other talents and abilities.
Rodeo Finn by Clare O’Beara Free Student Work Pages
Rodeo Finn by Clare O’Beara is a multi-genre novel for teens and young adults. Realistic equine fiction with nonfiction information regarding Ireland’s and Arizona’s farming, ranching, and equestrian competitions form the story. The free book companion PDF for the book.
Show Jumping Team by O’Beara Book Companion Free
Show Jumping Team was written by a National Show Jumping Champion of Ireland, Clare O’Beara. The book is multi-genre as it is realistic fiction with nonfiction information about horses and horse shows. Free teaching supplement at this link.
A Pony for Quarantine by O’Beara
A Pony for Quarantine by Clare O’Beara is so much more than a “horse” book as by way of the pony theme it shares many life lessons for teens. A free teaching supplement is at this link.
A Dog for Lockdown by O’Beara
Second in the lockdown series by Clare O’Beara, A Dog For Lockdown is a story about a thirteen-year-old boy who lives with his mother. The free teaching supplement is at this link.
Dining Out Around the Solar System by Clare O’Beara (Book 1 of 4)
In a future where giant corporations run countries, all British Space Mines has to fear are journalists and hackers.
Donal and Myron are their worst nightmare. See Wise Owl Factory’s review on The New Book Review.
Dining Out With The Ice Giants (Dining Out Around The Solar System Book 2) Clare O’Beara
Two journalists in an alternate future London meet the people from the outer planets – during one of the worst winters for cold and flooding that London has suffered. From political misdeeds to mushroom picking in a disused Tube station, Donal and Myron uncover all sorts of activities… and dangers. See what Wise Owl Factory’s thinks about this book on The New Book Review.
Dining Out With The Gas Giants (Dining Out Around The Solar System Book 3) by Clare O’Beara
Donal and Myron are journalists who’ll go anywhere for a story. This summer, as tempers flare and riots are sparked in London’s heat, they get a lead they can’t resist. Not all the off-world immigrants are friendly. See Wise Owl Factory’s review on The New Book Review.
Dining Out on Planet Mercury by Clare O’Beara
When a girl from Mercury is suspected of murder, the police need Irish journalist and hacker Donal as interpreter.
Off-world workers are being exploited in more ways than one. See Wise Owl Factory’s review on The New Book Review.
A Pony for Quarantine by Clare O’Beara
Quarantine! Moya, age 13, is sent home from school. She isn’t sure what is happening. Her parents and brother are home, too. She can hear neighbors cleaning to be prepared in the event they will be sick. Her own parents leave to shop for food, and although they might not get everything they want, will be able to get food. The store is only allowing 100 people inside at a time.
