HORSE SENSE: The Story of Will Sasse, His Horse Star, and the Outlaw Jesse James

Based on a slice of family history—one of the author's ancestors had his horse stolen by the James-Younger gang after the 1876 Northfield, Minn., bank raid—this fast-paced novel offers crackling adventure in a colorful period setting. Fourteen-year-old Will thinks there's more to life than farming, but his stern father disparages Will's plan to breed fine riding and driving horses: "You haven't got enough horse sense to even think of raising horses!" At a livestock auction, Will meets some strangers, one of whom counsels, "A man's got to go after what he wants. Can't worry about other folks." Unaware that his new acquaintance is the notorious Jesse James, Will invites him and his brother, Frank, to visit, in hopes he can breed Star, his mare, with Jesse's fine stallion. Will gets his wish, but a week later is caught in the middle of a deadly bank robbery, after which Star is stolen by the fleeing outlaws. Will joins the posse, only to be offered a "life of adventure" by Jesse James (Will doesn't take long to announce that he prefers "law and order"). Schultz makes up for somewhat simplistic characterizations with her descriptive prose ("It got so quiet Will thought the bacon might stop sizzling, too"). The ably woven themes of thorny family relationships, horse lore and the outlaws' nefarious exploits make this a satisfying read. Ages 9-12. (Aug.)