Author

Wild Boy

Dial Press 1965, illus Henry C. Pitz
Scholastic, pb, 1968, 1973

Diablo Blanco was the proudest, cruellest mustang of the Southwest plains, and no one could manage to capture
him.  Roberto’s father had died in the attempt, and he hated the horse. Roberto was determined to avenge his
father’s death, and he learned from the Comanches how to be an expert horseman, ready to face Diablo Blanco.
Roberto is half Mexican and half white, and becomes involved in the wars between the white men and the
Comanches. Roberts struggles to understand “the hatreds and the hopes which lead men to war.”

Thomas Fall, who was descended from Cherokee Indians, grew up in Oklahoma.  His mother grew up in an Indian mission, and he heard from her much about the Indian territory before Oklahoma statehood.  A particular interest of his was wild horse legends in the United States.  

Many thanks to Susan Bourgeau for all her help with the book and its author.

Finding the book:  Wild Boy wasn’t published in the UK, but is easily and cheaply available in the USA, both as a paperback and a hardback.

Sources:

Dustjacket of Wild Boy