
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with deep-seated anger, feelings of being misunderstood, or the aftermath of a traumatic transition. It is particularly powerful for children who struggle to express their emotions through words but find a sense of safety in the company of animals. The story weaves together the perspectives of Shiloh, a cynical foster child, and Night, a retired racehorse with a history of abuse. Through their shared journey toward healing on a quiet farm, the book explores how trust is slowly rebuilt after it has been broken. It is a poignant, realistic look at the patience required for emotional recovery, making it an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate stories of resilience and the transformative power of empathy.
References to past physical abuse of both the child and the horse.
The book addresses child abuse, animal neglect, and the instability of the foster care system. The approach is direct but age-appropriate, emphasizing the emotional scars left behind. The resolution is grounded and realistic, offering hope without promising quick fixes.
A 10 to 12-year-old who feels like an outsider or who has experienced significant upheaval. It is perfect for the child who 'shuts down' when overwhelmed and finds solace in nature or animals.
Parents should be aware of the depictions of past animal abuse (neglect) and the foster care system's revolving door. Read cold, but be ready to discuss why Shiloh feels she must act tough to survive. A parent might see their child lashing out at caregivers or expressing the belief that they are 'bad' or unlovable. This book provides a mirror for those feelings.
Younger readers will focus on the horse's perspective and the 'rescue' aspect. Older readers will pick up on the nuanced parallels between Shiloh's trauma and Night's physical history.
The inclusion of the horse's first-person perspective adds a unique, almost ethereal layer to a grit-filled realistic fiction story, bridging the gap between animal fantasy and social realism.
The narrative is told through three rotating viewpoints: Shiloh, a 12-year-old girl in the foster care system; Dream of Night, an aging and formerly abused racehorse; and Jess, a patient woman who takes them both in. The story follows their tentative steps toward forming a family and the mutual rehabilitation of horse and child.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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