About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels paralyzed by the weight of expectations or is struggling to voice a fear that conflicts with a parent's enthusiasm. Melinda is a ten-year-old girl who is gifted a Morgan horse by her father, a gesture born of love but rooted in a misunderstanding of her true desires. While she dreads riding, she finds an unexpected mentor in Miss Barkway, an elderly neighbor and writer who helps her process her anxiety and the lingering grief of losing a brother. This gentle chapter book explores the nuances of bravery, the importance of intergenerational friendship, and the quiet strength required to be honest with oneself and others. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers navigating high-pressure hobbies or complex family dynamics.
