About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of family responsibility or feeling the strain of a sudden change in family roles due to illness. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like their own dreams are being sidelined by the needs of those around them, providing a quiet space to process feelings of resentment, duty, and deep love. Set in the early 20th century during the polio epidemic, the story follows Lily as she navigates the difficult reality of her father's illness. While she longs for a horse of her own, she must instead step up to help run the family farm. This 131-page novel is developmentally perfect for 8 to 12-year-olds, offering a realistic look at historical hardship while maintaining a core of hope and resilience. It serves as a gentle bridge for discussing how families pull together during a crisis without losing sight of an individual child's hopes.
