
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new home or neighborhood, and feels anxious about the unknown. The story follows Josie as she navigates her own move while supporting her friend Jill, who is recovering from a car accident and regaining her confidence to ride horses. It beautifully explores how focusing on the needs of others and the steady presence of animals can help ground a child during personal upheaval. Written for the 8 to 12 age range, it is a gentle and comforting choice for children who need to see that change, while difficult, can also lead to new and rewarding beginnings.
The book addresses physical disability and trauma following a car accident. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the slow, often frustrating process of physical therapy and emotional recovery. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that healing takes time.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn 8 to 10 year old who is currently experiencing a move or a change in family dynamics and feels a bit 'lost in the shuffle.' It is also perfect for the horse-loving child who enjoys stories about the therapeutic bond between humans and animals.
The book is safe to read cold. Parents may want to discuss the nature of Jill's accident if the child is particularly sensitive to medical themes, but it is handled with great care. A parent might choose this if they hear their child saying 'I hate it here' or 'I want to go back to our old house,' or if the child is showing reluctance to join new activities after a move.
Younger readers will focus on the relationship with the horse and the basic 'moving' plot. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the parallel between Jill's physical recovery and Josie's emotional transition.
Unlike many 'horse books' that focus on competition, this one focuses on the horse as a bridge for emotional healing and social connection during a specific period of domestic change.
Josie is navigating the emotional complexity of moving into a new home and settling into a new life. Amidst this transition, she spends time with Jill Atterbury, who is recovering from a car accident that left her unable to ride. Through the bond with a horse named Faith, Josie watches Jill regain her physical and emotional strength. As Jill overcomes her fears to ride again, Josie finds the courage to accept her own life changes.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.