Diane Lee Wilson

American author. Born in Illinois in 1957. She has been horse-mad and interested in books and reading from an early age. Although she originally wanted to become an illustrator, Diane became involved in the world of writing, first as a copywriter and later, when taking a break from work to bring up her daughter, began writing fiction. Her novels are all historical stories (many set in far flung places and cultures) and all feature horses. They are highly acclaimed.

Diane has her own website which has more information about her and her books.

Pony Books:

I RODE A HORSE OF MILK WHITE JADE
(ORCHARD BOOKS [USA] 1998)
Reprinted by Harper Trophy in paperback
SUMMARY: Historical story set in Mongolia. Oyuna is shut away by her clan because her foot has been crushed and they think she is bad luck. But she breaks free and finds solace on the back of a horse. Now she is free to seek out a special milk white horse which will bring her honour.

TO RIDE THE GODS' OWN STALLION
(DORLING KINDERSLEY [USA] 2000)
SUMMARY: Historical story set in the ancient Assyrian empire. Soulai is abandoned by his father and sold into slavery. There his life becomes entwined with that of a magnificent stallion and the spoilt young Prince who owns him.

BLACK STORM COMIN'
(MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS [USA] 2005)
Reprinted by Simon & Schuster/Aladdin in paperback
SUMMARY: A story about the Pony Express. A young mixed-race boy sets off to become a rider, hoping that he will make enough money to help his sick mother.

FIREHORSE
(MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS [USA] 2006)
SUMMARY: Set in 19th Century Boston. The story centres on the firehorses which pulled the firewagons and helped stop outbreaks of fire in the city. A terrible sickness sweeps through the horse population, threatening the city as the fire horses succumb. Rachel, a young woman who longs to become a veterinary surgeon, thinks she can help the horses but she must fight against society's conventions to do so.

RAVENSPEAK
(MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS  [USA] 2010)
SUMMARY: Historical story set in Viking times. A young girl runs off with her horse to save him from an evil man trying to take over her clan. Can she save the clan with the help of a mysterious woman who talks to ravens?

Collector's Info:
These are easy to find in the USA. Black Storm Comin' and Firehorse are still in print and Ravenspeak is due to be published shortly and can be pre-ordered. In the UK, there are just a few second-hand copies around. Black Storm Comin' seems to be the only one which can be ordered brand new from Amazon for UK customers, although Firehorse can be pre-ordered. Most of the others may have to be bought from the USA, although they are usually fairly cheap to buy.