Chancey of the Maury River Book

"The sentimental horse story is revived to magnificent effect in this moving novel. . . . Winds to a stirring finish." — THE HORN BOOK

On the night that Chancey is born, a "fire star" gallops across the sky, a signal that a great horse has entered the world. But it will take many years of slights and hardships before the orphaned albino will believe that the prophecy is truly meant for him. First he must find a home at the Maury River Stables and a girl named Claire who needs him as much as he needs her. Then, when his aching joints and impending blindness bring an end to their training together, he must start a new chapter as a therapeutic horse, healing people with wounds both visible and unseen. In the manner of a latter-day Black Beauty, Chancey’s observant voice narrates this absorbing story, filled with fascinating details of life at the stable and keen insight into equine instinct, human emotion, and the ineffable bond that connects them both.

Children's Literature

Meet Chancey, a twenty-something albino Appaloosa. We are first introduced to him as he reflects on his life wondering if his mothers' prayers and wishes would ever come to fruition. You see, great expectations were thrust on Chancey—born to stunning parents, with the hopes of becoming a champion with his parent's striking colorations. Instead, he was born void of pigment, and merely tolerated by the herd only because of his mother's greatness. Chancey's life is one of uncertainty now that his riding stable and the other horses have to be sold. Chancey was the only one left, not because of emotional attachment, but because no one wanted him. Not wanting him to be left in the hands of strangers, Chancey's owner begs another stable to take him, until she could make other arrangements. What seems like the end of the line for Chancey is really a blessing in disguise, and his gift of a second chance. The book is full of second chances, and not just for Chancey. Next to get another chance is Claire, whose parents just got divorced and has developed a stutter in her speech. Realizing his potential as a therapy horse, Mrs. Maiden wisely places her new charge in a class for "therapeutic students." Chancey accepts and tolerates each one, though Claire will always hold a special place in his heart. Trevor also is given a second chance. Stricken with cancer and feeling overwhelmed by the disease, Trevor wants nothing to do with a horse, or a structured lifestyle. During one self depreciating moment Claire lashes out at him, and tells Trevor that Chancey also has cancer. This exchange makes all the difference for Trevor, who decides he will fight and hopes to win a championship with Chancey one day. A sight set too high, you may wonder, but the bonding among all the characters is described and played out so well you would consider such a thought foolish. Claire can come across as bossy and spoiled at times but girls (let's face it—no boy would be caught reading this work unless it involved a great reward, or they lost a bet!) who read this will allow her to be so for a brief while! Told in ?first-horse' narrative, Amateau brings the world of horse stables and competitions to a level everyone can comprehend—yet will resonate favorably with those already schooled in all things equine. A nice escape, with hardly a dull moment. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young