“Gunner: Hurricane Horse”
by Judy Andrekson, illustrated by David Parkins.
Tundra Books, Toronto, 2010, 95 pages, Grades 4-6.
Frequently, life deals people some hard and painful challenges. Sometimes, these trials come from physical illnesses or family problems. But occasionally, they come from violent acts of nature such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Then the issues come from the reaction of the victims to these catastrophes.
These times demand strength and courage that the participants must develop to respond to the overwhelming odds. This makes them profiles in courage, even though the actors do not realize they are choosing greatness of heart. Judy Andrekson writes about such an event in her insightful book, “ Gunner: Hurricane Horse.” Here we see the true story of a family imperiled by Hurricane Katrina and their response to the disaster.
E.W. and Heather Goodwin run a small ranch several miles north of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They show horses in different events and take their small son, Wesley with them. E.W. usually runs the ranch while Heather trains the horses for the show ring. One day, E.W. brings an undersized, rowdy Paint horse to the ranch. Heather is not amused because the pony’s behavior causes trouble. When not involved in horse training, Heather works as a nurse in a New Orleans hospital.
Fortunately, the little Paint, now named Gunner, grows up. He has magnificent blue eyes and a spectacular multicolored coat. Heather begins showing Gunner at many horse shows and begins winning numerous awards. But after one show, news reports state that Hurricane Katrina is bearing down on the city of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While Heather is at work in the hospital, Hurricane Katrina smashes into New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. E.W. and Wesley desperately try to save the horses at the ranch. But soon the hurricane tears through their property. Buildings are shattered and the animals scattered.
The next day, they round up most of the horses. However, Gunner is missing and presumed dead. After a number of days, Heather makes her way through the destruction to the ranch. Where is Gunner? The phone soon rings. A Paint blinded in one eye and physically emaciated has been found. It is Gunner. But he is so weak and sick, the vets want to put him down. Heather won’t have it. She determines they will not end Gunner’s life. She will save the horse. What happens?
Does Gunner recover? How does the love of the Goodwin family help him? What does Heather learn about the fleeting glory of being a horse champion? What is really important in life? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this inspiring, true story: “Gunner: Hurricane Horse” by Judy Andrekson.
This is a compelling story of a horse and a family overcoming near impossible odds. Andrekson writes with insight and gives readers the heroic responses of the Goodwin family during tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Younger readers will also learn a great deal about the breed of Paint Horses and the many shows in which they participate. The author gives a nice balance between these two aspects of the story. I would encourage middle grade students to read this novel. They will learn a number of things related to personal growth and the development of virtue.
