• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Wild horses are legendary, but today their very existence is under threat from a changing environment, politics and less protected spaces to roam free.

These animals live all over the world, including the iconic mustangs in North America—a symbol of freedom and the American West. Today what we thought we knew about the history of wild horses and where they came from is changing. What makes a horse wild? Where do they live and how did they end up there? What is the relationship between wild horses and Indigenous Peoples? How are governments and citizens working for or against them?

In this book, readers discover the history, biology and ecology of wild horses and the key role young people are playing in protecting wild horse populations to keep them running free for generations to come.

Linda L. Richards is a journalist and award-winning author. She is the founding editor of January Magazine, one of the Web’s most respected voices about books. She is also the author of six novels and several works of nonfiction and is on the faculty of the Simon Fraser University Summer Publishing Workshops. In 2010, Richards’ novel Death Was in the Picture won the Panik Award for Best Los Angeles-Based Noir. Linda can be found at lindalrichards.com and @lindalrichards.

Linda L. Richards' profile page

• Long-listed, Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards - Youth Category

“Vibrant photographs and a clear, engaging writing style make the information accessible and interesting for young readers…One of the book’s strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend scientific facts with captivating stories…Sparks an interest not only in wild horses but also in the broader importance of conservation efforts and the delicate balance of our ecosystem.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Readers shouldn’t shy away with thoughts that this book is overly scientific. Part of the Orca Wild series, its intended audience is middle-grade readers, although the colour photos on every page are enough to lure much younger readers into turning these pages…This clearly-written and well-researched book holds more information than most of us could absorb in a single reading. It encourages us to browse around, maybe something like the grazing style of a wild horse, digesting what we learn as we proceed. For any girl or boy wanting to learn more about horses (or maybe do research for a science fair project), they couldn’t ask for a better starting point.”

BC BookWorld

“A beautifully written and illustrated story of [wild horses’] history, biology, and ecology, [that] will be savoured by horse lovers everywhere… Complimented by many delightful additional stories in sidebars, as well as a thorough glossary and... a selection of incredible photographic illustrations.”

The British Columbia Review

“Generously illustrated with appealing color photographs…The writing style is conversational [and] engaging…This book will inspire discussion and open readers’ eyes to much more about wild horses…[including] their historical value and future, and what they symbolize to different people in a changing environment. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials