Bobby Lassiter has some important secretsâbut itâs not as if anyoneâs paying attention. Itâs the middle of the Depression, and while Bobbyâs mother and older sister knit all day to make money, Bobby explores the California desert around their home. Thatâs how Bobby finds Boots. Heâs under their one half-dead tree, halfdead himself. Right away heâs a secret, tooâa secret to be fed and clothed and taken care of, and even more of a secret because of what he can do. Sometimes Boots is a man. Sometimes heâs (really, truly) a horse. He and Bobby both know something about magicâand those who read this book will, too.
âA wonderful story about a man who is a horse, and a boy who is a girlâabout fake magic and real loveâabout deaths that are part of living and the pain that pays for joy. I love it.ââUrsula K. Le Guin