Henry and the Ghost Train

Reach for this book when your child is seeking a sense of independence or needs a story about the profound, transformative power of a deep bond between humans and the natural world. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like an outsider or is navigating a period of significant change, as it mirrors the journey of finding one's place through patience and mutual respect. The story follows young Alec Ramsay and a wild stallion as they survive a shipwreck and form an unbreakable connection on a deserted island. Beyond the adventure, the book explores themes of resilience, bravery, and the slow process of building trust with something fierce and untamed. While there is some intense peril during the shipwreck and survival scenes, the narrative is a classic celebration of character and spirit that resonates deeply with the elementary and middle school experience. It models how quiet persistence can overcome even the most daunting physical and emotional obstacles.