Pit Pony (novel)

Pit Pony

OCLC

19973684

Pit Pony is a children's historical novel written by Joyce Barkhouse. It was published in 1990 and won the first Ann Connor Brimer Award. Pit Pony was adapted for television in 1997 and 1999.

Plot summary

In Pit Pony, Barkhouse describes life in a

working as a pit pony. As they work together, a strong bond develops between boy and horse.

The book describes the grim realities of life for a young miner – cold, exhaustion, fear – discomforts and dangers that also affected the horses. When Willie and Gem are trapped in the mine during a "bump" – with falling rock and timber, and choking dust – Willie must choose between escaping with Gem or saving the life of another young miner. Willie's choice to save the young miner's life over Gem's life sets Willie free – free to leave the mines and to pursue his education. As it turns out, however, Gem had been pregnant, and her foal is saved.

Awards

Pit Pony was named as notable by the

, for national and international distribution.

Movie and television series

Pit Pony was made into a

References