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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Customers say
Customers find this historical fiction book engaging and well-researched, with fascinating and accurate historical content that flows seamlessly throughout the narrative. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting its enchanting setting on the Oregon coast. Additionally, the book is praised for its informative content, with one review noting how it captures struggles and triumphs, while others appreciate its compassionate portrayal of characters.
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13 customers mention age-appropriate, 13 positive, 0 negative
...This is a very good read.Read more
This book was fantastic! I love WWII historical fiction and I love Oregon, so this was definitely a good fit for me....Read more
...Evans has just given us a great new book with plenty of accurate history, a well developed storyline, and fun characters....Read more
...The book is a delightful and well-researched story. I had never heard of the Sand Pounders and found their history very interesting....Read more
11 customers mention historical context, 11 positive, 0 negative
...The book is well-researched with plenty of historical facts and glimpses into the broader war. The author clearly knows her way around horses too....Read more
...recommend this author whether you love horses or just good, well-researched, and written historical fiction.Read more
As an historian, I love learning about history by reading well researched fiction....Read more
"The Sand Pounder" by M.J. Evans is a refreshing and enlightening historical novel set on the Oregon coast during World War II....Read more
11 customers mention story, 10 positive, 1 negative
...And I wasn’t disappointed by this engaging story....Read more
...This is a fascinating story about a determined teenage girl pretending to be a boy to join one of these teams.Read more
...given us a great new book with plenty of accurate history, a well developed storyline, and fun characters....Read more
...It’s a story of friendship, horsemanship, and special relationships sharing a story not many know about....Read more
9 customers mention informative, 8 positive, 1 negative
...Informative yet a compelling personal story of a young equestrian's desire to help protect her country disguised as a young man....Read more
...This is an entertaining and educational adventure ideal for young readers!Read more
...There’s factual history, adventure, patriotism, horses, and a lesson about racism and choosing to do the right thing. Highly recommended.Read more
...stories and some beautiful stories that provide lessons on the kindness of the American heart, as well as when America makes mistakes that should be...Read more
8 customers mention content, 7 positive, 1 negative
...Sand Pounders, men on horses, patrolled miles of shoreline. This compassionate and action-filled story is told through the perspective of a young...Read more
...This is a feel-good book with accessible writing appropriate for middle-grade kids on up through adult readers....Read more
...Sand Pounders is a heart-warming tale of a young girl committed to defending her country. The book is a delightful and well-researched story....Read more
...Along the way there is plenty of action, compassion, loyalty, and the acknowledgement of some heartbreaking regrettable actions....Read more
8 customers mention engaging, 8 positive, 0 negative
...There’s factual history, adventure, patriotism, horses, and a lesson about racism and choosing to do the right thing. Highly recommended.Read more
...This is an entertaining and educational adventure ideal for young readers!Read more
This book is a fun adventure based on a cool aspect of WWII that I wasn't previously familiar with. Absolutely awesome story!Read more
...-grade to adult readers, "The Sand Pounder" is a great read that balances adventure, history, and a heartfelt message about courage and resilience....Read more
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.
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Top reviews from other countries
- Vanessa EdwardsReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2024
Compelling story with a fascinating historical context
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - MBeyelineReviewed in Italy on August 31, 2024
Slow paced historical fiction
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - RMReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2024
Engaging and educational.
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - OSMAAN MAHMOODReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2024
Very insightful
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
