The Scorpio Races / Maggie Stiefbater / 409 pages / Notable Children's Books - Older Grades

The Scorpio Races are held every year in November on Brisby Island.  They are bloody and deadly and involve vicious water horses.  Puck Connolly decides to ride in the races in an attempt to forestall her brother Gabriel's departure from the island.  Their parents are dead and without Gabe, Puck doesn't see how she and her younger brother, Flynn, will be able to keep the farm.  Sean Kendrick is four time winner of races and horse trainer for a local stable.  When he fails to dissuade Puck from riding in the race he gives her invaluable advice and unconditional love.