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Sky Rider
Struggling to deal with her mother's death, a back injury that prevents her from riding, her father's drinking problems, and the imminent destruction of her sick horse, fourteen-year-old Dusty receives physical and spiritual healing from the ghost of Skye Ryder, a boy killed in a recent accident on her father's property.
117 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
7 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Springer
128 books2,376 followersBIO -- NANCY SPRINGER
Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews
June 16, 2023
I think I would have liked this book more if it had been longer. There were a couple of odd holes in the plot but makes sense because it was a more fast-paced storyline. Portions of the writing felt whimsical to me the way the author would describe certain situations or how the main character was feeling. I’d recommend this to someone who is looking for a quick palette cleanser.
May 28, 2014
Very short read with some inelegant and superfluous elements such as a log kept by an observing spirit as well as diary entries by the main protagonist, next to perfectly fine but kind of soulless prose. The whole thing reads like a (good) idea for a novel (what in film terms would be called a treatment) but really lacks some flesh on them bones (and that from me, self professed impatient reader and lover of short books, under 250 pages long). Could have been really good. Wasn't. But not bad enough for a 2 star.
June 2, 2017
Review for Sky Rider by Nancy Springer.
When Dusty the young girl who has loved jumping her horse Tazz gets the news he has to be out down she is crushed she is also dealing with her moms death. But the night before the vet comes to come get Tazz a young mysterious teenage boy shows up and insist she lets him take Tazz and that he wont be in any more pain so she lets them go but she is still determined to now who this charming ghost looking boy is. But will her drunk father let her really find out who this boy is or will she be forever left wondering..
This book would be perfect to somebody who is into horses or a good thriller. I also think that its more of a girl book most boys aren't into such dramatic.
When Dusty the young girl who has loved jumping her horse Tazz gets the news he has to be out down she is crushed she is also dealing with her moms death. But the night before the vet comes to come get Tazz a young mysterious teenage boy shows up and insist she lets him take Tazz and that he wont be in any more pain so she lets them go but she is still determined to now who this charming ghost looking boy is. But will her drunk father let her really find out who this boy is or will she be forever left wondering..
This book would be perfect to somebody who is into horses or a good thriller. I also think that its more of a girl book most boys aren't into such dramatic.
September 15, 2017
Sky Rider by Nancy Springer
Excellent young reader book (also excellent for adults). Facing problems, accepting loss and responsibility, redemption through forgiveness and caring for others, life after this life . . . and horses. The writing flows, the characters are real, and the resolution is satisfying. This is proof that a well-written book can span generations.
Excellent young reader book (also excellent for adults). Facing problems, accepting loss and responsibility, redemption through forgiveness and caring for others, life after this life . . . and horses. The writing flows, the characters are real, and the resolution is satisfying. This is proof that a well-written book can span generations.
January 1, 2018
This was surprisingly good. I mean I expected to enjoy it but not this much. Dusty was so tired and in pain and her Dad’s drinking was a bit too real.
Just a good story and I didn’t mind the observing spirit chapters. How he died was rather shocking (rope trap) and why he did it moved me. Interesting that her father finally took responsibility.
Just a good story and I didn’t mind the observing spirit chapters. How he died was rather shocking (rope trap) and why he did it moved me. Interesting that her father finally took responsibility.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2018
I haven't read a book this cute in so long but I'm so glad I did. Sky's identity was easily guessed when Dusty saw the girls at school but it was cute so I didn't mind. The journey that Sky is on is so cute and I feel so much for him.
Overall it was an amazing story I wish there was more to Sky's story and his journey as an angel
Overall it was an amazing story I wish there was more to Sky's story and his journey as an angel
December 21, 2023
I had no idea what to expect and it kind of has everything - a vengeful-but-super-sexy ghost, manslaughter, a spirit government, foster care, alcoholism, a horse ghost that earns his wings, and a happy ending. Cringe at times but I think that only adds to the whole experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
I think this book was very interesting
September 2, 2008
When someone in my teen book club suggested that we read something with horses, I searched all over for a few young adult horse books for them to pick from. I came up with this book and Blind Beauty (which, incidentally, I'd already read but didn't remember reading until I looked at my booklist). The cover I saw in the catalog was different from this one. I am not sure if my poor opinion of this book has to do with the cover I got (cheesy) or with the actual writing. I think it is a combination. Thankfully it was a short read and probably took less than an hour total.
First off, the "SouLog" (whatever that means) that the mother's ghost keeps is ridiculous, and it starts off the whole book on the wrong foot. Second, I understood that the book's title was "Sky Rider" and that the ghost would be riding a horse, probably into the sky. I did not need the ghost's name to be Skye Ryder. I mean, this book was only published 10 years ago, and the name is so late 80s.
Then I just started getting annoyed about the inaccurate portrayal of a back injury.
I had to wear a backbrace in middle school for scoliosis. I could not imagine attempting to ride a horse while wearing it, and that had nothing to do with pain. Yet the main character of this book (named Destiny, another 80s classic right there), who wears a backbrace due to some injury to her spinal column in a drunk driving accident, hikes all over the place and rides a horse--yes, there is mention of how much pain she's in, but still. It's ridiculous. I haven't had much experience with back pain, but the little I've had (often brought about by horseback riding) makes it so hard to walk, to the point where my legs almost gave out. My dad recently suffered a broken back and he wears a brace and needs a cane to walk. And then, at the end of the story, she is miraculously cured by the ghost boy. What a crock.
On a side note, this book does use my favorite word (lugubrious). Also, several of the horse names were familiar--there was a "Tazz" at the barn where I used to ride (real name: Tazmanian Jazz), and also a Dawn Treader (aka D.T.).
First off, the "SouLog" (whatever that means) that the mother's ghost keeps is ridiculous, and it starts off the whole book on the wrong foot. Second, I understood that the book's title was "Sky Rider" and that the ghost would be riding a horse, probably into the sky. I did not need the ghost's name to be Skye Ryder. I mean, this book was only published 10 years ago, and the name is so late 80s.
Then I just started getting annoyed about the inaccurate portrayal of a back injury.
I had to wear a backbrace in middle school for scoliosis. I could not imagine attempting to ride a horse while wearing it, and that had nothing to do with pain. Yet the main character of this book (named Destiny, another 80s classic right there), who wears a backbrace due to some injury to her spinal column in a drunk driving accident, hikes all over the place and rides a horse--yes, there is mention of how much pain she's in, but still. It's ridiculous. I haven't had much experience with back pain, but the little I've had (often brought about by horseback riding) makes it so hard to walk, to the point where my legs almost gave out. My dad recently suffered a broken back and he wears a brace and needs a cane to walk. And then, at the end of the story, she is miraculously cured by the ghost boy. What a crock.
On a side note, this book does use my favorite word (lugubrious). Also, several of the horse names were familiar--there was a "Tazz" at the barn where I used to ride (real name: Tazmanian Jazz), and also a Dawn Treader (aka D.T.).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2015
This was a short and sweet story with a beautiful horse and a happy ending (well as happy as a story with a 16 year old that’s killed by an unjustifiable and inexcusable crime can be).
So we have two young characters that have both suffered grave injustices - 16 year old Skye Rider and 14 year old Destiny “Dusty” Grove – you can tell pretty early on that Skye and Dusty need each other, that they need to heal each other. The story is written in multiple points of view; log reports from an Angel supervising Skye’s transition, diary entries from Dusty and a narrator that I couldn't quite figure out.
This is a fast paced story about love, justice and finding peace. There was a bit of insta love, but I just ignored that. I liked Dusty; she’s only fourteen and she’s already lost her mother to the grave and her father to alcohol. Even after the car accident that results in her being in constraint pain, she doesn't give up and doesn't complain.
I liked this book; sure I wasn't gasping or staying up all night to find out what was going to happen next and yes the ending was predictable, but still satisfying. It was nice.
I found it interesting that in this book the Horses can see spirits, is that a thing? I know horses are supposed to be brilliant at interpreting people and “reading their souls” (I heard that on some documentary where they use horses in therapy). -Anyway- I didn't fall in love with this book, but it was short and sweet and well worth the read.
So we have two young characters that have both suffered grave injustices - 16 year old Skye Rider and 14 year old Destiny “Dusty” Grove – you can tell pretty early on that Skye and Dusty need each other, that they need to heal each other. The story is written in multiple points of view; log reports from an Angel supervising Skye’s transition, diary entries from Dusty and a narrator that I couldn't quite figure out.
This is a fast paced story about love, justice and finding peace. There was a bit of insta love, but I just ignored that. I liked Dusty; she’s only fourteen and she’s already lost her mother to the grave and her father to alcohol. Even after the car accident that results in her being in constraint pain, she doesn't give up and doesn't complain.
I liked this book; sure I wasn't gasping or staying up all night to find out what was going to happen next and yes the ending was predictable, but still satisfying. It was nice.
I found it interesting that in this book the Horses can see spirits, is that a thing? I know horses are supposed to be brilliant at interpreting people and “reading their souls” (I heard that on some documentary where they use horses in therapy). -Anyway- I didn't fall in love with this book, but it was short and sweet and well worth the read.
March 1, 2015
This is a short, bittersweet read about loss, grief and acceptance. Fourteen-year-old Dusty is no stranger to loss – her mother, her ability to ride, now her favourite horse – but the arrival of a ghost in her life takes a little more getting used to. At only sixteen, Skye is angry about being dead. He refuses to rest until he finds out who killed him, but in doing so he could be putting his entire afterlife in danger. Not that he cares – he’s too angry. Instead it’s up to Dusty to help him find peace.
Anyone who loves horses will feel an instant connection with Dusty and poor Tazz. It’s bad enough that Dusty’s chronic back pain means she can no longer ride, but that she’s also losing her beloved Tazz due to an agonising disease went right to my heart. The arrival of the ghost boy was definitely bittersweet – Dusty loses Tazz, but in a beautiful way.
Then, of course, she finds out all about Skye and how he died, and everything becomes more complicated and sad. Justice, healing and grief are all explored as Dusty struggles to help Skye come to terms with his own death and save his soul for the afterlife. There’s plenty of emotion in the story, but it’s never mawkish or overwhelming and there’s definitely glimmers of hope by the end.
Sweet and sad and ultimately uplifting, this is a short but thoughtful read – and not just for horse lovers.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Anyone who loves horses will feel an instant connection with Dusty and poor Tazz. It’s bad enough that Dusty’s chronic back pain means she can no longer ride, but that she’s also losing her beloved Tazz due to an agonising disease went right to my heart. The arrival of the ghost boy was definitely bittersweet – Dusty loses Tazz, but in a beautiful way.
Then, of course, she finds out all about Skye and how he died, and everything becomes more complicated and sad. Justice, healing and grief are all explored as Dusty struggles to help Skye come to terms with his own death and save his soul for the afterlife. There’s plenty of emotion in the story, but it’s never mawkish or overwhelming and there’s definitely glimmers of hope by the end.
Sweet and sad and ultimately uplifting, this is a short but thoughtful read – and not just for horse lovers.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 15, 2013
Sky Rider is a memorable, thrilling story. If this book is laying on the shelf getting dusty, it might be time to wipe the cover and read it. It's a short story and shouldn't take long. If you like horses, I'm sure you'll also find this a sweet story.
Dusty-the fourteen-year-old girl, the main character (it's a nickname, actually)-goes through hardships: her injury, the lost of a parent, and taking care of herself alone. She is extremely attached to her horse, Tazz, and through her horse, she finds a vengeful teenage phantom, a spirit of a young man who Dusty believes has a higher potential to be more angelic. The ending is an amazing surprise.
I find the book very spiritual and unique, kind of like The Lion King and just as interesting. I did not find anything I didn't like. Some parts of the story may be unrealistic, but it's not all superficial. I think it's a well-written fantasy novel worth reading. The ending is satisfying and because of how much I liked it, part of me wish there is a sequel.
Dusty-the fourteen-year-old girl, the main character (it's a nickname, actually)-goes through hardships: her injury, the lost of a parent, and taking care of herself alone. She is extremely attached to her horse, Tazz, and through her horse, she finds a vengeful teenage phantom, a spirit of a young man who Dusty believes has a higher potential to be more angelic. The ending is an amazing surprise.
I find the book very spiritual and unique, kind of like The Lion King and just as interesting. I did not find anything I didn't like. Some parts of the story may be unrealistic, but it's not all superficial. I think it's a well-written fantasy novel worth reading. The ending is satisfying and because of how much I liked it, part of me wish there is a sequel.
December 24, 2015
This book was so good. I was just looking for something to read and this book has been sitting on my shelf for ages. I read this book in probaly 2 hours so it is a very quick read but so much story is told! I cried numerous times throughout this book because I felt I was connected to the characters and I loved how beautiful the writing was. I can't even explain how magical it was when I read about Dusty's dream with her mother or when Skye got his wings. It was so intense I could only have pictured what that must of looked like for a split second but I can never fully grasp the idea. Overall it was an amazing book and a good read if you want a short story that is filled with a lot of emotion.
January 8, 2015
Sky Rider by: Nancy Springer RC: 5 points RL:4.9
Dusty is dealing with her mother's death, but her father takes the hardest hit. Dusty's father has started drinking again, and starts drinking and driving. Dusty and her father go off the road and into a ditch. Dusty suffered a very bad back injury and now can never rider her horse again. A little while after the wreck, Dusty horse gets sick. And to add on top of that a local boy was killed on their land and now her father is getting charged with murder. What will happen to Dusty if her father is found guilty?
Dusty is dealing with her mother's death, but her father takes the hardest hit. Dusty's father has started drinking again, and starts drinking and driving. Dusty and her father go off the road and into a ditch. Dusty suffered a very bad back injury and now can never rider her horse again. A little while after the wreck, Dusty horse gets sick. And to add on top of that a local boy was killed on their land and now her father is getting charged with murder. What will happen to Dusty if her father is found guilty?
August 9, 2014
Really good book, a little bit of language. About a man who began drinking when his wife died. Then while drinking and driving, he got in a car accident. His daughter Dusty, got a hurt back. He stopped drinking again. But he put a no trespass sign on their land, as well as devices that would keep people out. Anyway, a 16 year old boy dies because of one of these devices. Her father begins to drink again. Life is on the down hill, until something changes...
March 17, 2015
This review is for Sky Rider by Nancy Springer.
A lovely story,full of warmth, magic and truth. A teenaged girl coming to terms with loss and grief in her own life by reaching out to help another family as well as her own with honesty and determination. Highly recommend for anyone who believes in the magic of love.
A lovely story,full of warmth, magic and truth. A teenaged girl coming to terms with loss and grief in her own life by reaching out to help another family as well as her own with honesty and determination. Highly recommend for anyone who believes in the magic of love.
April 1, 2015
Sky Rider is a pretty good read. I loved Dusty as a character and for her love for her horse, Tazz. I liked the mystery that surrounded the young teenage ghost, as well.
I thought this was a good, clean, and quick read for younger readers.
4 1/2 stars.
I thought this was a good, clean, and quick read for younger readers.
4 1/2 stars.
July 8, 2009
Fantastic!!!
August 7, 2009
I liked it. It was a nice short little read.
April 11, 2010
one of my favoret horse stories!
October 9, 2010
An amazing book with elements of the supernatural, hints of romance, and a story of finding ones strength in the midst of trials.
May 19, 2011
I am really interested in the=is book. It draws in two of my favorite things, horses, and thrillers.
August 31, 2017
This story, though short was an amazing, sweet story. I am a horse lover and owner and this story touched my heart. A good story for kids and adults.
May 15, 2012
It was a very suspensful book. Full of love, mysterys and paronormal stuff. LOVED IT!:')
April 1, 2017
The author did a really good job setting up Dusty's unhappy home life, but I think the story needed more interactions between Dusty and Skye to give it more impact.
December 30, 2015
It is a great book for preteens that are going through grief of any kind. It is a story of loss, friendship, growing up, and family.
July 15, 2012
Sporatic descriptions. Strange story-telling. I was not inspired. Wanted to be, but was not.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews