David loves horses. The best place for him to be with horses is Quinn’s Stables. But Mr. Quinn doesn't trust David because of his irresponsible past antics. Dr. Mac, a veterinarian for whom David volunteers, comes to the rescue. She convinces Mr. Quinn that David is worth a second chance. Can David keep from ruining it?
This is the setting of
Trickster, the fourth entry in Laurie Halse Anderson’s
Vet Volunteers series. Geared toward middle grade readers, this novella offers good information on horse care in an interesting, emotionally satisfying, and sometimes tense story.
Can David Do It?
At the stables, David meets Trickster, a recently injured horse. The two develop an immediate close bond. (The choice of the horse’s name can’t be an accident – it mirrors David’s own personality.) When Mr. Quinn trusts David to exercise Trickster during his recuperation, David does something without thinking, and the horse suffers a more serious injury. Once again, David is in hot water.
Matters are complicated when a deadly illness strikes all of the horses at the stables - including Trickster. As Dr. Mac, Mr. Quinn, and others struggle to save the animals, David finally shows a sense of responsibility and good character. As a matter of fact, his close observations about a certain symptom unlock the mystery of the fatal ailment afflicting the horses. But will it be in time to save Trickster and the other horses?
David is aware of his shortcomings, and he tries very hard to overcome them. Nothing seems to work, though, and he is always causing some type of problem. He feels guilty about his actions and the consequences of them, but he just can’t seem to control situations, whether at home or at the stables. Eventually, he does show a sense of responsibility, and his character grows.
The story is told in first person and in the present tense, as are the other books in the
Vet Volunteer series. David’s voice is strong and clear, and because of the first person point of view, his thinking processes and feelings are always at the forefront. As a main character, he is a strong focal point for the story.
Other Themes
Trickster presents factual information about pet care, veterinary care, and responsible pet ownership. In one subplot, a young man keeps returning to Dr. Mac’s clinic with his ferret who is repeatedly injured because the owner isn’t properly attending to him. The owner decides to give up the ferret, but in an irresponsible way that infuriates David. This sequence emphasizes the need to think through the needs of pets and demands of pet ownership.
As with other books in the
Vet Volunteer series, the story highlights specific veterinary procedures. When the ferret needs care, the author describes how Dr. Mac treats his wounds. When the horses fall ill, she shows the vet and others in action, performing a variety of procedures to save their lives, including hooking them up to heart monitors and oxygen masks.
Anderson also provides factual information about horses. At the end of the story, she presents an article by the fictional Dr. Mac that is not fictional at all. It contains information about interacting with horses and reading their body language. All in all, this little book contains a lot of good information as well as a good story.
Summary
The books in this series do not need to be read in any particular order. In the opening chapter of each book, the author neatly introduces all of the main characters and then plunges directly into the story at hand. Though
Trickster is fourth in the series, I read it last.
The book is short (127 pages), with short chapters. The action moves quickly, holding interest from chapter to chapter. The subject matter and writing level are appropriate for readers in the 8 to 12 age group. The main characters in this book and the others (the volunteers) are approximately 11.
Trickster is a good story with several good underlying themes. It can be emotional at times, because the author presents realistic situations (animals don’t always survive to live happily ever after), but she does so in an intelligent, respectful, and delicate manner.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this or any other of the other
Vet Volunteer books to young readers. As a matter of fact, the entire series is packed up and ready to deliver to my 7 year-old niece!
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The complete
Vet Volunteers series to date:
Fight for Life
Homeless
Say Good-Bye
Trickster
Manatee Blues
Storm Rescue
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