It seems Ken can't do anything right. He loses saddle blankets and breaks reins . . . but then comes the worst news yet: a report card so bad that he has to repeat a grade. How can you tame the dreamy mind of a boy who stares out of the window instead of taking an exam? Enter Flicka, the chestnut filly with a wild spirit. Over the course of one magical summer, both will learn the meaning of responsibility, courage, and, ultimately, friendship.
Performed by Michael Louis Wells
Download and start listening now!
"Perhaps some of my attachment to this book is due to the fact that my mother bought me a copy to serve as a distraction during one particular childhood illness. Still, this book deserves high praise for the masterful way that it examines the relationships that occur between a boy and his mother, father, brother, and the horse that he is determined to make his own. It's more than a story about a boy and a horse-- It's about growing up, taking responsibility, and learning to stand up for yourself and others."
— Jen (5 out of 5 stars)
" My Grandmother gave me a hard bound two volume set, which included the sequel, Thunderhead. I was pre-teen or young teen, and loved the story. I fantasized about living on a ranch and having my own horse. We lived in a rodeo town in eastern Oregon, so it wasn't such a far fetched dream. "
— Jack, 2/13/2014" It's been years...but I remember this being a very touching story. "
— Zenjen, 2/10/2014" My Friend Flicka is a very touching book about a boy named Ken (around 10-11-ish) who lives on a horse ranch with his parents and brother, Howard. His father expects him to be perfect, a helping hand ready whenever he needs him, like his brother Howard. But Ken fails at almost everything - he loses saddles, lets horses free by accident, and finally he gets a report card so bad he has to repeat a grade. He begs his father for a colt of his own, and he finally gets his wish - the chestnut filly known as Flicka. Ken and Flicka are as close as boy and horse can possibly be. But when disaster strikes, can they still stay together? "
— Cheryl, 2/2/2014" This is a great book to read. When I read it I was fascinated. reading this book was great practice for my reading was low. Now I read all the time and this is a great book for many ages. I have friends that are 11 14 even 19 that loved the book. It is short but very good. I loved this book. "
— Domi, 1/19/2014" This was one of my favorite books. "
— Terry, 1/14/2014" This book is super good. It's about a boy named Ken who has alwaysed dreamed of getting a colt. But his dad Rob won't give him one. Ken is failing in school because he is always day-dreaming. One day Nell (his mom) makes Rob give him a colt. He chooses a wild horse with Rocket's (a "Loco" horse) blood. His father gets mad but gets her anyway. He names it Flicka. Then they both get really sick. I don't feel like writing any more so if you want to find out just read the book. "
— Natalie, 1/13/2014" I like this tale of a girl and a horse she loves. Yes, it is melodramatic but it works because Ms. O'Hara writes with warnth and respect for the reader.. "
— Jaime, 1/11/2014" this is a great book. i love books about animals. it has a buch of good description. "
— Cody, 1/10/2014" Going through all these books, I suddenly realize - all we ever read in fourth grade were Newberry winners. "
— Daria, 12/27/2013" One of my 6th grade students was reading Flicka the other day! I tried to contain my excitement. Somehow, I doubt that I did it effectively. I was so thrilled to see someone reading this book! One of my all-time favorites. "
— Cheri, 11/13/2013" Love this book as a kid. Loved it even more as an adult. Great book for the horse lovers out there to read. "
— Sandy, 11/5/2013Mary O’Hara (1885–1980) was born on July 10, 1885, in Cape May Point, New Jersey. She was a screenwriter during the silent film era and wrote several novels, including the range country trilogy My Friend Flicka, Thunderhead, and Green Grass of Wyoming. She also authored a novella, The Catch Colt, and Wyoming Summer, based on her diary of sixteen years.
Michael Wells is a playwright, actor, and musician. He lives in New York City.