Misty of Chincoteague
by Marguerite Henry · Misty series series · Grade 4-6 · Ages Ages 8-12
Paul and Maureen live on Chincoteague Island, where wild ponies are rounded up each year from nearby Assateague Island. They dream of buying a special pony named Phantom and her foal, Misty, but catching and keeping a wild pony will take patience, courage, and kindness.
Key vocabulary
Chincoteague is the name of an island in Virginia. In the book, it is home to people who love the nearby wild ponies.
Assateague is a barrier island where wild ponies live. A barrier island is a long, sandy island near the coast.
A pony is a small horse. Ponies are strong, sturdy animals even though they are shorter than many horses.
A foal is a baby horse or pony. Misty is a foal in the story.
A mare is a grown-up female horse or pony. Phantom is a mare.
A roundup is when people gather animals together from a large area. In the book, the ponies are rounded up for Pony Penning Day.
Wild means living freely in nature, not as a pet or farm animal. A wild pony may be shy around people.
An auction is a sale where people offer money, and the highest offer usually wins. Paul and Maureen hope to buy a pony at an auction.