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Horse in the Attic
Twelve-year-old Caroline discovers an old painting of a race horse in a boarded up attic and sets about solving the mystery of the horse's identity
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1983
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About the author
Eleanor Clymer
60 books14 followersEleanor Clymer (née Lowenton; January 7, 1906 – March 31, 2001), was a writer of children's books, best known for The Trolley Car Family (1947). She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1928 with a degree in English. Between the years of 1943 and 1983 she published 58 books, including The Tiny Little House, My Brother Stevie, and Hamburgers–and Ice Cream for Dessert.
Clymer was born in New York City, the daughter of Russian immigrants. Through much of her life she was a resident of Katonah, New York and an active member of the nearby Unitarian Universalist fellowship. In 1980 she was awarded the Rip Van Winkle award by the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York for outstanding contributions to children's literature.
Her son, Adam Clymer, was a journalist with The New York Times. Clymer died in 2001 at the age of 95 in Haverford, Pennsylvania.
Clymer was born in New York City, the daughter of Russian immigrants. Through much of her life she was a resident of Katonah, New York and an active member of the nearby Unitarian Universalist fellowship. In 1980 she was awarded the Rip Van Winkle award by the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York for outstanding contributions to children's literature.
Her son, Adam Clymer, was a journalist with The New York Times. Clymer died in 2001 at the age of 95 in Haverford, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 23, 2013
“The Touch of the Mystery Horse”
Contrary to what you might expect, this short book is Not a fantasy; rather, it presents a British version of the Country Cure and highlights the rewards of historical research. Readers will receive an easy introduction into the skills of art restoration and the thrill of attending an auction. Related in the first person this story describes how Caroline became horse crazy at the age of 11. Fortunately for her equestrian dreams, her family ultimately moves out to the country—where she now has the space for riding lessons.
During the renovation of the century-old house which they recently bought, Caroline discovers a locked trap door into a secret attic room which contains several old oil paintings. Becoming captivated by the canvas of a black racehorse, she finally hangs it in her room, where she fantasizes about having her own horse. Her family proves a refreshing change from the dysfunctional family dynamics which readers encounter in typical YA literature. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Caroline and her father; they share a unique bond, as the country setting helps improve their outlooks on life. The story also provides a gentle introduction into archival methods and art appreciation. It reads as swiftly as Dark Lady herself gallops through Caroline’s dreams.
(March 22, 1013. I welcome dialgoue with teachers.)
Contrary to what you might expect, this short book is Not a fantasy; rather, it presents a British version of the Country Cure and highlights the rewards of historical research. Readers will receive an easy introduction into the skills of art restoration and the thrill of attending an auction. Related in the first person this story describes how Caroline became horse crazy at the age of 11. Fortunately for her equestrian dreams, her family ultimately moves out to the country—where she now has the space for riding lessons.
During the renovation of the century-old house which they recently bought, Caroline discovers a locked trap door into a secret attic room which contains several old oil paintings. Becoming captivated by the canvas of a black racehorse, she finally hangs it in her room, where she fantasizes about having her own horse. Her family proves a refreshing change from the dysfunctional family dynamics which readers encounter in typical YA literature. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Caroline and her father; they share a unique bond, as the country setting helps improve their outlooks on life. The story also provides a gentle introduction into archival methods and art appreciation. It reads as swiftly as Dark Lady herself gallops through Caroline’s dreams.
(March 22, 1013. I welcome dialgoue with teachers.)
October 11, 2020
A fun middle age book about Caroline, whose father gets her into horses, and her desire to learn how to ride.
When an opportunity to move to the country comes up, the family jumps on it but Caroline's father is working extra hours - at least until Caroline suggests he take time off from work to concentrate on his passion, sketching and painting. Caroline wants a place of her own - and finds an attic over the stable workshop her brother has set up.
In the attic there are a lot of pictures and one incredible painting of a black horse with a rider. Caroline is smitten with the painting and the horse. Her father is fascinated by the painting, too - and offers to refurbish it. But as he does, Caroline starts searching for the actual horse who inspired the painting - and who might have created the painting.
The family is very well written though I didn't particularly like the secrets being kept from Caroline toward the end of the story. Still, it's enjoyable!
When an opportunity to move to the country comes up, the family jumps on it but Caroline's father is working extra hours - at least until Caroline suggests he take time off from work to concentrate on his passion, sketching and painting. Caroline wants a place of her own - and finds an attic over the stable workshop her brother has set up.
In the attic there are a lot of pictures and one incredible painting of a black horse with a rider. Caroline is smitten with the painting and the horse. Her father is fascinated by the painting, too - and offers to refurbish it. But as he does, Caroline starts searching for the actual horse who inspired the painting - and who might have created the painting.
The family is very well written though I didn't particularly like the secrets being kept from Caroline toward the end of the story. Still, it's enjoyable!
April 30, 2021
This is a good book for middle school. Interesting and engaging.
March 21, 2017
Quick read. Not really about horses, don't be fooled by the title. Good story though.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews