City Boy

Reach for this book when your child is curious about family secrets, the legacy of their elders, or when they are struggling with the shame of a hidden learning challenge. While it is a sequel to the famous War Horse, it stands alone as a beautiful meditation on the bond between a boy and his grandfather on a quiet Devon farm. The story gently explores how the trauma of war ripples through generations and how it is never too late to learn a new skill. Parents will appreciate the book's focus on vulnerability and the dismantling of pride. Through the grandfather's secret struggle with literacy, the narrative validates children who feel 'behind' while celebrating the wisdom that comes with age. It is a poignant, realistic story that encourages children to look at the older people in their lives with new eyes and deeper empathy.