Student Review: "My Friend Flicka," by Mary O'Hara

“My Friend Flicka” is about a horse and a boy named Ken. Ken’s parents own a ranch with many horses, and have some financial problems. Ken is in a boarding school. He is not a very responsible

student, and is being held back in fifth grade. When he comes home for summer break, he asks his parents to let him have his own horse. His father refuses, as he is upset because of Ken’s grades and his irresponsible behavior. Somehow, Ken’s mother convinces his father, and Ken chooses a wild filly for himself. He names her Flicka. Ken takes good care of the horse which makes his parents especially his father happy, but it does not last long. Soon Flicka gets injured with a barbed wire as she tries to escape from the ranch by jumping over a very high fence. Ken spends the rest of the summer taking care of Flicka and bringing her back to life. In doing so, Ken gets seriously sick too. Eventually, both Ken and Flicka get better and develop an amazing friendship with each other. This teaches Ken responsibility and makes him a better person.

The book is quite difficult and detailed. I enjoyed reading it as the protagonist Ken is an interesting character. It was a little hard to remember all the events, but still it is a fun story and teaches a lot about horses, friendship, and responsibility. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who liked realistic fiction and loves animals.

Mohid A.'s Rating: ****

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