About This Book
Reach for this book when your pre-teen is struggling to navigate complex family transitions, especially the introduction of a step-parent or a change in family structure. It offers a gentle but honest look at how different siblings process change at different speeds, providing a mirror for children who feel hesitant or resistant to new family members. The story follows sisters Amy and Lou as they visit their father in Australia, where they must confront his new life and his new wife, Helena. While Lou finds it easy to adapt, Amy feels like an outsider and turns to her bond with a difficult horse named Spirit to find her footing. This is a perfect choice for 10 to 14 year olds who love animals and need reassurance that their complicated feelings about family are both normal and valid. It balances the excitement of a first romance with the grounded realities of building trust and resilience in the face of emotional upheaval.
