A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with feelings of loneliness or not fitting in. It speaks directly to the child who feels like an outsider and yearns for connection and purpose. The story follows Twig, a girl sent to a pony ranch for "troubled" youth on a remote, misty island. Feeling completely unwanted, her life changes when she discovers a vulnerable baby unicorn. Tasked with its protection, Twig must find a strength she never knew she had. This magical adventure beautifully blends themes of self-confidence, bravery, empathy, and friendship. For ages 8 to 12, it's an excellent choice for a child who loves animals and fantasy but would also benefit from a story with a strong, relatable emotional core. It provides comfort by showing that one's purpose can be found in caring for others, and that everyone has the capacity for bravery, especially when someone is counting on them.
A mysterious creature hunts the main characters. The island setting is described as haunted.
Mild PerilMild
Characters are in danger from a monster in the woods and must hide and flee.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with feelings of abandonment and loneliness. The protagonist is labeled as "troubled" and feels unwanted by her family (who are absent from the story). This is handled metaphorically through her immediate connection to the vulnerable, motherless unicorn. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful, as Twig finds a sense of purpose, friendship, and belonging through her actions, rather than having her external circumstances magically fixed.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old who feels like an outsider, is navigating a new social situation, or struggles with self-worth. It is perfect for sensitive readers who love animals (especially horses) and fantasy, and who would be comforted by a story about finding one's purpose by caring for another being.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. Parents should be aware of the initial sad themes of the protagonist feeling unwanted. The scary elements (a stalking monster, a haunted island) are fantasy-based and age-appropriate, but might be unsettling for a very sensitive reader. A brief conversation about what it means to be brave even when you're scared could be helpful. A parent overhears their child say, "Nobody likes me," or "I don't fit in." The child may seem withdrawn, sad, or be expressing feelings of worthlessness, especially after a move or a change in friendships.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the magical adventure: finding a secret unicorn, the mystery of Ben, and the thrill of escaping the monster. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with Twig's internal journey, her complex feelings of being an outcast, and the theme of finding your identity through responsibility and acts of courage.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many unicorn stories that are purely light and magical, this book grounds its fantasy in a raw, realistic emotional struggle. The unicorn is not a sparkly prize but a fragile, dependent creature. This makes the protagonist's journey more meaningful: she doesn't just find magic, she becomes essential to it, which in turn allows her to find her own strength and value.
Read plot summary
Twig, a girl feeling unwanted and displaced, is sent to live at a pony ranch for "troubled" girls on a mysterious, misty island. Her solitary existence is shattered when she finds a newborn unicorn in the stables. With a mysterious boy named Ben, she takes on the responsibility of caring for the fragile creature, which they name Indy. However, they soon realize a menacing creature from the island's shadows is hunting the unicorn. The plot follows Twig's journey from feeling powerless to becoming a brave protector, discovering her own worth as she fights to keep Indy safe.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start of the book, Twig feels unwanted and doesn't think she is good at anything. How does finding and caring for the baby unicorn, Indy, begin to change how she sees herself?
2
Ben is a very mysterious character. Why do you think he chooses to trust Twig with the unicorn's secret? What actions show Twig is trustworthy?
3
Twig has to be very brave to protect Indy from the creature hunting them. Can you think of a specific moment where she was scared but did the right thing anyway? What does that moment teach us about bravery?
4
The island is described as misty, old, and haunted. How does this setting make the story feel different than if it took place in a sunny, open field?
