TRICKSTER: David
Wild at Heart, No. 3
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Pleasant Company
ISBN: 1584850477
Ages 8-10
144 pages

In this third book in the Wild at Heart Vet Volunteer series, David meets a horse that he loves. David loves horses, period. But when he meets Trickster, it's as if both he and the horse have found a kindred spirit. They look at each other, and Trickster walks right up to David. When David pushes Trickster's mane out of his eyes, Trickster shakes it right back; David's hair hangs in his eyes, too. Then Trickster splashes his muzzle into the bucket of water David is holding for him, sloshing David's shoes. David knows Trickster did it on purpose. Another goofball. It's a match made in heaven for both of them.

The only problem is, David has a history with Trickster's new owner, Mr. Quinn, and it's not a good one. Something bad happened a year ago, but Mr. Quinn hasn't forgotten. He doesn't know if David has grown up enough since then to be trusted around valuable animals. So David has to show Mr. Quinn that he can handle it. The only problem with that is, he really hasn't grown up enough! His intentions are always good, but he does some goofball things. For example, he's supposed to empty wheelbarrows of manure in a certain place. But after he gets bored with the job, he dumps his wheelbarrow in the closest hidden spot, behind the toolshed. Another time, Mr. Quinn trusts him to walk Trickster, but David cuts another corner with the job, taking the simplest way out instead of doing it right. And Trickster hurts himself.

Neither David nor Trickster think too far ahead. They have lots of spirit, but they get themselves into trouble easily. David loves Trickster, though, and he's determined to ride him one day. Can he learn how to be responsible? What will he have to do to earn Mr. Quinn's trust? Will David be able to help Trickster when the horse needs him most? You will want to read this book and see how David faces up to his problems and what happens to Trickster.

   --- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

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