San Domingo

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with a complicated or strained relationship with a father figure, or when a child is facing the heartbreak of losing something they love through circumstances outside their control. It is a deeply moving story about Jethro, a young boy in pre-Civil War Wyoming, whose bond with his horse, San Domingo, becomes his lifeline in a home marked by his father's inexplicable hostility. While the setting is the rugged frontier and the early days of the Pony Express, the heart of the book is about resilience, the pain of betrayal, and the courageous process of forging one's own path and identity. It is an ideal choice for readers aged 8 to 12 who are ready for a more nuanced, realistic portrayal of family dynamics where parents aren't always perfect or kind. Marguerite Henry's writing offers a safe space to explore feelings of anger and grief while celebrating the loyalty found in animal companionship.