About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the tension of loyalty to a loved one whose behavior is becoming increasingly difficult or dangerous. It is an essential read for pre-teens who are starting to realize that the adults or older siblings they look up to are flawed, complicated, and perhaps in need of help they cannot provide alone. The story follows Roy and his older brother Joe as they seek a fresh start on a ranch, where Roy discovers a natural talent for training a wild pony while Joe struggles with a secret, destructive impulse for arson. This is a powerful exploration of the boundary between family devotion and personal integrity. It offers a realistic look at how a child can find their own strength and identity even when their home life feels unstable. Parents should note it contains high emotional stakes and themes of pyromania, making it best suited for mature readers aged 10 and up who appreciate a story with both grit and heart.
