Moon in the Water

For the first time in his life, JoBob Draper feels important. He is the only one at the barn who believes Blue, a misfit pinto, has the potential to be a jumper, and trains him secretly. When Slim, the stable owner, discovers JoBob's love for and success with the horse, he gives him Blue. JoBob begins to believe that all his dreams are coming true; adding to his excitement is his new interest in Mariko, who seems to share and understand his feelings. Then JoBob's hopes are crushedhis father betrays him, and Blue is gone. Bitterness and heartbreak burden him until finally, with the help of Mariko, he is able to conquer the pain and let go of it. Diggs uses precise language to convey JoBob's passion for Blue, combining dialect, sharp images and crisp detail. The result is an intense and satisfying story that commands readers' attention to the last page. Ages 12-up. (April)