Heart of Gold

A parent might reach for this book when their child is processing a difficult or scary experience and needs a story about the slow, patient process of healing. Heart of Gold follows Amy, a gifted young woman who helps horses recover from trauma. Her greatest challenge comes with Gold, a beautiful mare so deeply scarred by a barn fire that she trusts no one. This story gently explores themes of resilience, empathy, and the power of family support in overcoming adversity. Appropriate for ages 9 to 14, it's an excellent choice for animal lovers, offering a comforting and hopeful narrative that models patience and kindness in the face of deep-seated fear.