''Taming the Star Runner'' is remarkable for its drive and the wry sweetness and authenticity of its voice. . . . S. E. Hinton continues to grow in strength as a young adult novelist. -- New York Times

When rebellious adolescent Travis is sent to live on his uncle's farm, he forms an uneasy friendship with a young riding instructor and a strange kinship with her restless horse, Star Runner. Ages 12-up. (Nov.)

Gr 7-10 Devoted fans will leap on Hinton's new novel, yet her protagonist Travis is no Tex (Delacorte, 1979). On the surface, this 15 year old resembles the classic misfits from the author's previous books; however, Travis lacks Tex' zest for living. Released from juvenile hall to cool down at his uncle's Oklahoma horse ranch, he acts the role of sensitive punkhe looks like a rebel and flies into violent rages, yet he seeks to publish his novel and he loves his cat. He wants to be left alone, but he suffers from being ignored by the ``hicks'' at school. The high point of his introspective retreat is his attraction to Casey, the riding instructor who leases his uncle's barn. The scenes of stable chores, riding lessons, and horse shows may interest some readers, while the equestrian jargon will mean nothing to the book's primary audience. Hinton uses a horse, Star Runner, as a counterpart to Travis to illustrate her theme of life's quirks: some win, some don't. Without making much of an effort, Travis ends up a winneralive, free from jail, and a published author. Hinton builds a sparse plot around a predominately bleak theme. Although the story isn't fleshed out, tough-guy Travis will appeal to a certain readership. Others will find him forgettable, especially compared to his fictional predecessors. Charlene Strickland, formerly at Albuquerque Pub . Library , N.M

Charged with the attempted murder of his abusive stepfather, 16-year-old Travis is sent to live with his uncle on a ranch in Oklahoma. Margo Skinner reads the nonstop action in her slightly raspy, intriguing voice, capturing the excitement of the story. She excels in her portrayal of Travis’s mother and K.C., a girl Travis falls in love with. The story contains mild profanity and implied violence, which is appropriate to its real-life situations. Casting a male reader might have enhanced the characterization of Travis--Skinner’s voice doesn’t portray the male voices with convinction. Nevertheless, she delivers an enjoyable and enticing reading sure to capture listeners. P.A.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine