I loved this novel. It’s a realistic, compassionate, and enchanting story set on the Oregon coast. It begins December 1941, right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I have read many novels (middle grade, YA, and adult) that touch upon WWII, but this story’s slant is unique. It is appropriate for young adult readers and above and would be a wonderful adjunct to your curriculum for those who are studying this time period. If you’re using this in the classroom or homeschooling, there are so many discussions and activities that can be paired with this book. I also noticed that there is a free study guide you can receive if you visit the website. I haven’t checked it out yet. The author pieces in historic facts fluidly. Content warning: prejudice, death, grief. This book also follows (mostly in letter format) the story of the Katos, a Japanese-American family and their internment.
Eighteen-year-old Jane is smart, persistent, and determined, but she is also thoughtful and kind. Her brother has just enlisted, and Jane decides she must do her duty to her country also. She decides to join the Sand Pounders, a mounted beach patrol. Jane is a skilled horse woman, but she is informed that only males can join. So she disguises herself as a male and is thrown in with all the other male volunteers. As promised by the subtitle, there is love and drama. I love this trope in stories—females disguising themselves as males as it is so very relatable and understandable to me, considering the more limited opportunities females have had throughout history.
The author knows her history and horses. I also love how she inserts lovely, little details from this time period—like the gas station glassware (my grandmother had a set she had accrued). I thoroughly recommend this read.
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From the Publisher
The Sand Pounder
The Sand Pounder
During WWII, the U.S. Coast Guard patrolled the beaches on horseback. They were called "The Sand Pounders." Horsemen from across the country enlisted to protect our shores. In Tillamook, Oregon, a young woman feels the need to answer the call to serve.
The Sand Pounder
During WWII, the U.S. Coast Guard patrolled the beaches on horseback. They were called "The Sand Pounders." Horsemen from across the country enlisted to protect our shores. In Tillamook, Oregon, a young woman feels the need to answer the call to serve.
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Reviews with images
A beautiful young adult historical novel
The Sand Pounder is a heartwarming historical fiction on the bravery of a young girl, and I enjoyed it.This book gave me Mulan vibes, and I liked it! Right from the first page, I connected with Jane as she heard the news of the events of World War II. The author wrote Jane’s emotions wonderfully, from what she sees with the Katos to Jane’s experiences in the Sand Pounders.I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The story is a beautiful blend of action, drama, and historical references. It is also evident that the author thoroughly researched World War II, and I enjoyed all the details she included in the story. Some of my favorite moments were when Jane supports Stephan or how emotional she gets over the Katos. I also enjoyed her scenes with Stephan, as the author adds a spark between the two even when Jane is in disguise. The two of them share a beautiful bond when they partner, and I enjoyed how their storyline progressed. At the same time, I adored the letters that Jane wrote to Thomas.Another big highlight of the story was Jane’s love for horses. It is clear that the author is passionate about horses, and I love Jane’s connection with Star. The author also adds thrilling moments to the tale, like when Jane sees a woman’s body or when they hear explosions that spook the horses. Moreover, I liked the storyline involving Brian and how Stephan and Jane helped him.Overall, “The Sand Pounder” is a beautiful young adult historical novel that had a touch of everything for a reader of any age to enjoy.
