This classic for young adults has been reissued in paperback and e-book forms. The circus comes to Oregon but when it moves on, a fifteen year old lad is left without a home. Joe Lang had thought he had everything -- a family, friends, and a career as a spangles, or bareback horse rider. But the death of his father changes his world.

SAWDUST IN HIS SHOES refers to Joe's circus upbringing. He's never known any non-circus folks but one, a lady he disliked. How can he adapt to life in an industrial school? Joe's toughness marks him out, and friendless, he decides to escape. When he does, an Oregon farm family takes him in. Joe doesn't trust them, and not all of them trust him. He keeps his secrets. But the farm is in need of help. And they have something better than anything -- a Morgan mare named Satin. If Joe can just keep up his practicing, he might make it back to circus life after all.

If I had grown up in America I am sure I'd have seen this marvelous book in a library alongside THE BLACK STALLION and MY FRIEND FLICKA. As it is, I never heard of SAWDUST IN HIS SHOES, which was first published in 1950 and has delighted generations since. This was the first novel by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, who went on to win the Newbury Medal for her books for young readers.

The realistic tale is peppered with circus jargon, which is usually explained, but the translations are at the back. Joe's adventures are heartfelt, his fears, hopes, and dreams driving him, his determination and disappointment pouring off the pages. Young readers will learn a lot about human nature, kindness, trust, and the need to train hard to accomplish goals. I can recommend SAWDUST IN HIS SHOES to a whole new readership of young horse lovers, boys and girls alike.