SOURCE: A review of Taming the Star Runner, in School Library Journal, Vol. 35, No. 2, October, 1988, p. 161.

In the following review, Strickland maintains that Taming the Star Runner pales in comparison to Hinton's earlier works, faulting what she perceives as weak characterization, a flimsy storyline, and a theme of hopelessness.

Devoted fans will leap on Hinton's new novel, [Taming the Star Runner,] yet her protagonist Travis is no Tex. On the surface, this 15 year old resembles the classic misfits from the author's previous books; however, Travis lacks Tex' zest for living. Released from juvenile hall to cool down at his uncle's Oklahoma horse ranch, he acts the role of sensitive punk—he looks like a rebel and flies into violent rages, yet he seeks to publish his novel and he loves his cat. He wants to be left alone, but he suffers from being ignored by the "hicks" at...