Colt

Colt Vittorio, a boy with spina bifida, feels trapped by his wheelchair and his mother's overprotectiveness. His life changes when he begins a therapeutic horseback riding program. Through his relationship with a gentle horse and the challenge of learning to ride, Colt gains physical confidence and begins to assert his independence from his well-meaning but restrictive family. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book addresses the social and emotional stigma Colt experiences due to his spina bifida. The approach is secular and highly realistic. While hopeful, it does not promise a 'cure' or a magical resolution, but rather a shift in Colt's self-perception and his understanding of his capabilities. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of stagnation and frustration. It builds slowly as Colt faces his fears and physical pain, peaking with a sense of exhilarating freedom. It ends on a grounded, optimistic note of self-actualization. IDEAL READER: A middle-grade reader who feels 'different' or sidelined in their own life, particularly those who find solace in animals or who are struggling with a desire for independence that conflicts with their current physical reality. PARENT TRIGGER: Parents may feel a pang of recognition during scenes where Colt's mother struggles to let go or when Colt expresses resentment toward his 'helpless' status. PARENT PREP: The book is safe to read cold, parents may want to reinforce that therapeutic riding is about building strength and confidence, not 'fixing' a disability. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the excitement of the horses and the physical achievement of riding. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuanced social dynamics and Colt's internal struggle with his self-image. DIFFERENTIATOR: Colt focuses on the internal emotional landscape and the specific sensory experience of riding, avoiding the trap of portraying the protagonist as an object of pity, which is common in stories with disabled characters.