Tuesday, November 21, 2006

When Horses Ride By: Children in the Times of War

Greenfield, Eloise. When The Horses Ride By: Children in the Times of War. Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Lee & Low Books, 2006. ISBN 1584302496. $17.95. Ages 4-8.

When the Horses Ride By is a powerful collection of fictional poems about children in the midst of a war. However, mixed in with the sadness of missing their fathers, the children are also filled with hope and joy. The poems, while discussing a tough matter, maintain all of the playful aspects of childhood. The pictures also tell a story of their own, even without the words. Each page is filled with a montage of wonderful photographs, newspaper articles, paintings and sketches with torn edges. The bright colors and collage format of the pictures in contrast with the black backing allows for a surprise on every page. The pictures also follow a historical format that actually makes the book not only interesting, but also educational. With every turn of the page, the reader gets a glimpse into a different time, culture, and war. Yet in the midst of all these differences, each child’s story is linked with the fact that their fathers are at war. It gives every child who reads the book insight into these cultures and a chance to relate to kids all over the world. It is really a delightful compilation of poems, and a must read and see for children and adults alike.

Angela Ferraro, BGSU student

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