War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is about Joey, a farm horse owned by Albert and his family.  When trying to make ends meet, Albert's father sells Albert's beloved Joey to the soldiers of World War I.  Joey changes hands many times during the war, from one side of the conflict who uses him in the cavalry, to the other who uses him to pull heavy guns, to a young girl who does nothing but love him.  In the mean time, Albert has vowed to someday reunite with Joey.  He joins the army in hopes he'll run across Joey somehow.  And, amazingly, he does!  But, the story doesn't end here.  Joey develops tetanus, and is nursed through the illness despite all odds against him.  When the war ends, Joey is not able to return with the soldiers.  He is sold off as property of the army.  In the end Joey's journey comes full circle as those who love him make it possible for him to live out his days as he was meant to... as a farm horse.

This was a great book!  Admittedly, I was not eager to read this one, as I was expecting Joey to die in the end.  I was pleasantly surprised!  This story is told through Joey's perspective, which is really unique.  It is a story about how the was has impacted people and countries, but it doesn't choose sides.  It's a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a good story!

Reality Check by Peter Abrahams

Reality Check by Peter Abrahams is about 16 year old Cody, the star quarter back of the Little Bend, Colorado football team. Things seem perfect - summer is starting, he's got a great job, a great girlfriend, an excellent chance of making a college football team (if he can get his grades up), until Clea's dad sends her to Hong Kong for the summer. When she returns, they are both so happy, until Cody finds out Clea will be attending a fancy prep school in Vermont that fall. Things keep falling apart for Cody - he breaks up with Clea before she goes, thinking it's what's best for them both, he suffers a knee injury during a football game, and he ends up dropping out of school. One afternoon he sees a breaking news story - a girl from a prep school in Vermont has gone missing... and, it's Clea. Not knowing what else to do, Cody leaves his dad a note and drives all the way to Vermont to help out with the search. Cody doesn't realize what he's getting himself into. It seems like finding Clea is hopeless... until Cody finds some clues that lead him closer to her, but also closer to danger.

This book was a good mystery once it got going. There was a lot of build up to Clea's disappearance, focusing on Cody's football playing. Also, there was a lot of swearing - some pretty serious language. I would recommend this book to older readers (high school) who want a good mystery.