CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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The Summer of the Bone Horses
CCBC Review:
Eddie (Dakota) arrives at his maternal grandparents’ home on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota where he will spend several weeks while his father recovers from surgery in the city. While Eddie has spent time with his grandparents before, he is anxious about being separated from his parents for the first time. He is quickly and lovingly brought into his grandparents’ daily routines, many of which are new to Eddie since they live without electricity or running water. Eddie assists with weeding in the garden and takes care of Buck, his grandfather’s horse. Grandpa offers Eddie a set of bone horses to play with to pass the time on the long summer days. The bone horses are made from old cow vertebra, but Grandpa explains that their people traditionally used bison bones. With a bit of wire, leather, and some cardboard boxes, Eddie creates riders and a corral for his new figurines. When Grandpa is injured and Grandma can’t get the car started, Eddie rides Buck to the general store to get help. By the end of his stay, he has a closer relationship with his grandparents and an appreciation for their reservation life and values. Happy to see his parents, Eddie departs with a newfound resilience and his treasured bone horses. Based on the author’s brother’s experience as a child, the end matter also includes a photo of bone horses. Colorful, stylized line drawings and spot art complete this warm family story. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
CCBC Age Recommendation: 7-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Dakota People
Feelings/Emotions
Grandfathers
Grandmothers
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Routines
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
On CCBC Booklist:
Family Read-Alouds
Publisher:
Abrams
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 60
ISBN: 9781419759550
CCBC Location: Fiction, Sneve
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.