Middle Childhood Book Review: The Phar Lap Mystery
Masson, S. (2010). The Phar Lap mystery (My Australian story). Lindfield, NSW, Australia: Scholastic. [Historical novel]
The story of Phar
Lap is as Kiwi as Buzzy Bee or pavlova, and here is a book that introduces
kids to our equine hero in an exciting and unusual way. Though the book is part of a series called My Australian Story, Kiwi kids will be
pleased to find that due credit is given to New Zealand, since, as we well
know, Phar Lap was born and raised here.
The novel takes the
form of the diary of an 11-year-old girl, Sally, whose father is hired as a
private eye to investigate the attempted shooting of Phar Lap in 1930. When the investigations stir up trouble,
putting Sally’s Dad is in danger, she is able to help the investigation in an
unexpected way. Sophie Masson writes a
convincing account of Phar Lap’s exploits, and skilfully brings the mystery to
a satisfying conclusion, while remaining true to the facts of the historical
story and the mystery that still surrounds Phar Lap to this day.
There is more to
this story that just Phar Lap, however.
It is also a story that about true friendship, the meaning of family,
and fulfilling your dreams. This novel
will appeal to kids who enjoy reading mysteries, diaries, pony stories, and
more. I thoroughly recommend it for confident
little bookworms.
Sophie Masson has written lots of books for kids and teens. If you would like to know more about her, you could visit her website
I asked my 9 year old daughter to read this review, and she thought the book sounded great, and decided she'd like to read The Phar Lap Mystery! I had suggested it to her before, but she tends to resist Mum's suggestions these days! She's been thoroughly enjoying it, and giving me a regular running commentary on what she's up to.
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