The Unicorn in the Barn written by Jacqueline Ogburn, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In "The Unicorn in the Barn," eleven-year-old Eric Harper discovers a white unicorn named Moonpearl in his grandmother's old barn. Living in a family home steeped in history, Eric feels the loss of his beloved grandmother, who has moved to a nursing home. His curiosity leads him to the unicorn, which is injured and being treated by Dr. Brancusi, a veterinarian, and her daughter, Allegra. As Eric helps care for Moonpearl, he learns about the responsibilities of animal care and develops a deep bond with the magical creature. Throughout the story, Eric grapples with his feelings of loss and hope, especially as he wishes for his grandmother’s recovery. When Eric and Allegra discover that Moonpearl’s hair has healing powers, they use it in a secret attempt to help Eric’s grandmother. This enchanting tale beautifully weaves themes of friendship, trust, and the emotional journey of growing up, making it a delightful read for children and adults alike. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can integrate "The Unicorn in the Barn" into various aspects of the curriculum by using it as a springboard for discussions on themes such as empathy, responsibility, and the bond between humans and animals. Librarians can organize book clubs for students in grades 3-5, where they can explore the character's emotional journeys and relate them to their own experiences. Additionally, the book can be used in creative writing assignments, encouraging students to imagine their own magical creatures and write stories about them. This could be used before a science lesson on veterinary care and the importance of treating animals with compassion, using Dr. Brancusi's character as an example. Art projects can also be inspired by the book, where students create illustrations of Moonpearl or other mythical creatures, fostering creativity. By connecting the book's themes to curriculum objectives, librarians can enhance student engagement and deepen their understanding of important life lessons.