Joey Takes A Stand

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask deep questions about loyalty, the costs of conflict, or how to maintain hope when separated from someone they love. While set against the backdrop of World War I, the heart of the story is the unbreakable bond between a boy and his horse. It is a profound tool for helping children process the idea that goodness can exist even in the darkest times. The story follows Joey, a farm horse sold into the cavalry, and Albert, the young man who enlists just to find him. Through Joey's eyes, readers experience the perspective of both sides of the trenches, fostering empathy and a nuanced view of history. Because of its honest depiction of war and loss, it is best suited for readers aged nine and up who are ready for a more mature, emotionally resonant narrative.