About the Book Independence, Missouri, 1846. Koda is a bay quarter horse with a white blaze. He loves to explore the countryside and run free with his human friend Jasmine nearby. But after Koda sets out with Jasmines family on a long and dusty wagon train journey on the Oregon Trail, he finds out what is truly important to him. Illustrations. Book Synopsis For anyone who has ever dreamed of hearing a horses story . . . Independence, Missouri, 1846 Koda is a bay quarter horse with a white blaze. He loves to explore the countryside and run free with his human friend Jasmine nearby. But after Koda sets out with Jasmines family on a long and dusty wagon train journey on the Oregon Trail, he finds out what is truly important to him. Here is Kodas story . . . in his own words. With moving and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout--both by real horse people--this is the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history! About the Author Patricia Hermes is the author of more than 40 novels for children and young adults, and two nonfiction books for adults. She is a lifelong lover of horses and enjoys taking riding lessons. Although she has never owned her own horse, many horses have owned her heart. She lives in Fairfield, Connecticut. Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony . She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.