Awesome Possum

by M. Garzon, M. Garzon, Kaida Garzon-Habacon

From the author of the popular "Blaze of Glory" series comes the story of an angry boy, a lonely horse, and no possums at all. Ben’s never been this unhappy. His parents got divorced and he moved to a small town where he doesn’t fit in. He has no friends. Then, he meets a beautiful but suspicious black horse. Panther is even more troubled than Ben. And unless Ben can convince Panther to trust people again, the horse’s sorrow may cost him his life.

Genres: Horses

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2014

About the author

When she's not hiking up the sides of active volcanos in the company of stray dogs, M. Garzon likes to take time to appreciate the fierce beauty of the natural world around her. She used to ride horses for a living, which was fantastic, but now considers herself extremely lucky to be a writer. She shares her home with two kids and too many rescue animals.
Her website is www.mgarzon.ca

Reviews

[Erin Lindsay McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a horse crazy kid in your life, this book is the perfect summer read for him or her! Featuring a *male* protagonist who befriends a troubled horse, this book has got tons of conflicts and deals sensitively with issues such a loneliness, moving, making friends, and divorce.

You can read my full review for Horse Nation here: http://www.horsenation.com/2014/06/25...

[Janet Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid I read every horse book I could find. Awesome Possum would have been among my favorites. It's an excellent mid-grade book that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my daughter a couple of weeks ago. I also read it by myself, before I read it with her. And both times that I read it, I was completely invested. This book is extremely fun, interesting, dramatic and cute all at the same time. It tells the story of Ben, who has recently been through the tragic ordeals of moving and his parent's divorce.
Ben isn't happy. He has a hard time making friends at his new school. He misses his old home and his Dad. But when he starts riding horses again, he starts to find his happy again. He meets a horse who is much like himself - lonely and missing home. But then he finds out that the horse in in danger of being sold. Him and his 3 new found friends form a plan to save the horse, named Panther.
While Ben desperately tries to save the horse, he learns many things along the way. About himself, his mom and about Panther. My daughter loved the book so much. And so did I. It was heart-warming, intriguing and cute. I urge all of you to check it out. There is nothing more rewarding than reading an awesome book with your child.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young person, after a parents divorce, is often adrift in emotional stress, when moved from home, friends and school, that stress is elevated, leading to actions that out of character.
The same could be said of animals, wrenched from their normal environment and security, forced to move to a place they have never experienced, they in turn can behave in a way which is contra to their norm.
So, we have two characters, boy and horse, both displaced and emotionally raw. Can they help each other in their new situations.
I have written this review after listening to the audio rendition of this book. I found the voice impersonation entertaining, as well as it adding depth to a wonderful story.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of boy who has gone through some major life changes with his parents divorce and a move. He starts going to a near-by barn and take some riding lessons. While there he finds a horse who's sad and going through major changes too and if not helped soon could be sold at auction for meat. It's a great discussion point book and explains things in a way a young child can understand. This book was also just a fun read. Since it's a story of a 10 year old boy I'd say it's geared for elementary and Middle School children, although I enjoyed it as an adult as well. The narrator did a fabulous job and was a joy to listen to. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn you, made me cry!! LOL the thought of any animal feeling that sad just literally breaks my heart. I just can't bear it, but I so enjoyed listening to this story!

I'm a big fan of the Garzon family, lovely writing and really moving - to the point of tears, and I'm not a crier lol!
I am a huge animal lover, and nothing is more important than us loving one another. I wish every animal on this planet could be loved -- we all can do our part.

Great story, lovely writing and narration! Highly recommended :)

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's had quite a few great lessons. It covers children after divorce. It covers horses and their behaviorisms. It covers bullying. That's just naming a few things it covers. I fully enjoyed the story and I think many children would benefit greatly from reading this book.

The narrator was pretty amazing too. This is the first time I've heard them. That I'm aware of anyways. I listen to a lot of audiobooks. But they were great. I have no complaints.

[Kristen Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I love that Garzon’s books are based in Canada, this book even mentions the Eastern Townships of Quebec where I live! The story is centred around a young boy who is going through a lot of the same issues that many children have to deal with. I think the target audience would have no trouble relating to Ben and his feelings of anger and pain.

There is a lot of information about Canadian Horses in the book. I was very interested in reading the history of the Canadian Horse since they were established in Quebec and are still at risk. I love how Garzon integrates a history lesson into the story, it teaches children something as they read the story for fun.

The story illustrates how important it is to work towards a goal and never give up. There is an action scene that will keep kids on the edge of their seats as well. The story has a nice ending which is realistic and ties things up well.
This is a great children’s book and I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family. Actually, I think it would be a fantastic gift for my 10 year old niece.