Dante of the Maury River

Dante is a Thoroughbred born with the highest expectations due to his famous grandfather. However, he is physically smaller and slower than expected. After a failed racing career, he is sent to a Second Chance program at a prison, where he is rehabilitated by inmates before eventually finding his way to the Maury River Stables. Through the eyes of the horse, we see his struggle to understand his identity and his eventual success in a new discipline. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the cruelty of the racing industry and the concept of incarceration. The approach is direct but age-appropriate and secular. The resolution is grounded in realism: Dante does not become a superstar racer; he finds a realistic, meaningful niche. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with high pressure and anxiety, moves into a dark period of failure and displacement, and gradually climbs toward a sense of peace and belonging. It is a slow build that mirrors the patient work of animal training. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who is a 'gifted' student feeling burnt out, or a child who loves animals and is curious about how everyone, even those who have made mistakes, deserves a second chance. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child crying over a bad grade or a lost game, or expressing that they 'aren't good at anything.' PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware that the book mentions the harsh realities of the slaughter pipeline for horses, though it is handled with care. The scenes in the prison are redemptive but may require a brief chat about why people go to prison. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the animal adventure and Dante's safety. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the metaphors for societal expectations and the nuances of the prisoners' redemption. DIFFERENTIATOR: It uses an animal protagonist to tackle very human 'imposter syndrome' and the rehabilitative nature of empathy.