The First Horse I See

The First Horse I See tells the story of Willojean, a young girl grappling with the recent death of her mother. Left in the loving care of her Granddad, Willojean yearns for a connection with her estranged, alcoholic father. She finds a path to proving her worth and finding solace by taking on the challenge of training an abused horse. This chapter book sensitively explores themes of grief, family dysfunction, and the profound bond between humans and animals, offering a hopeful narrative about resilience and empathy. It is suitable for children aged 8-11 for independent reading, or can be read aloud to younger children aged 6-7 with discussion.