Reading Metrics
Description
When twelve-year-old Nat and his sisters respond to an ad for a free pony in Ontario, Canada, in 1977, they acquire Smokey and learn to train and care for him. The family has been coping with poverty since their father abandoned them. The pony becomes a source of strength and stability for the children as they face their challenging circumstances.
Quick Summary
A free pony advertisement turns three siblings' world upside down in this heartwarming middle grades story about family, change, and discovering that sometimes the best things in life really do come without a price tag. Kids will root for Nathaniel and his sisters as they navigate the hilarious and sometimes messy realities of pony ownership while learning what it truly means to be responsible for another living creature. If your kid loves books like "Charlotte's Web" or "The One and Only Ivan" where animal friends teach powerful life lessons through genuine friendship, they'll absolutely devour this tale. Perfect for kids ages 9-12 or in grades 4-7 who enjoy character-driven stories with authentic family dynamics and gentle life lessons wrapped up in an accessible fourth-to-fifth-grade reading level.