
Reach for this book when your child feels sidelined by family changes or is struggling to find their footing in a new living situation. Twelve-year-old Andy is navigating the sting of his parents' divorce and the isolation of being left with his stern, old-fashioned grandfather. Amidst this upheaval, he finds purpose and a sense of control by training a pair of massive Percheron draft horses for a pulling contest. The story beautifully illustrates how the quiet rhythm of work and the responsibility of animal care can mend a bruised spirit. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate realistic, grounded stories about developing resilience and finding one's own voice when the adults in the room are distracted. Parents will appreciate the respectful handling of complex family dynamics and the focus on steady perseverance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with divorce and parental emotional unavailability. The approach is realistic: the parents' conflict isn't solved by the end, but Andy's perspective on it shifts. It is a secular story that offers a hopeful but grounded resolution.
A 10 to 12-year-old boy who prefers animals to people and feels like his world is changing without his consent. It's for the child who needs to see that 'tough' exteriors (like Grandpa's or his own) often hide deep care.
Read cold. The prose is accessible and the themes of hard work and grit are universally positive. A parent might see their child withdrawing after a heated argument or expressing that they feel 'in the way' during a transition.
Younger readers will focus on the excitement of the horses and the competition. Older readers will resonate with Andy's frustration with his parents and the nuanced growth of his relationship with his grandfather.
Unlike many horse stories that focus on racing or 'girl-and-her-pony' tropes, this highlights the raw power and blue-collar dignity of draft horses and farm life.
Andy, a twelve-year-old boy, is caught in the emotional crossfire of his parents' divorce. Sent to live on a farm with his crotchety grandfather, he feels abandoned and unheard. He finds a sanctuary in the company of Maggie and Tom, two powerful Percheron draft horses. His goal is to train them for a horse-pulling competition, a task that requires immense patience and physical coordination. Through this journey, Andy moves from feeling like a victim of circumstances to becoming a capable young man with a unique skill set.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.