Snow Foal
by Susanna Bailey
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Farshore, 2020
About this book
When her alcoholic mother is unable to take care of her, 11-year-old Addie moves in with a long-term foster family on a remote working farm. Ruth, Sam and their adopted son Gabe provide a loving, stable environment for Addie and two other foster children in their care. However, desperate to return to her mum, Addie is determined that she will not stay for long.
Sam rescues an injured foal from the moors and Addie senses a kindred spirit. Although he is weak and scared, she gains his trust and nurses him back to health. In parallel with her own life, she feels strongly that the foal should be reunited with his mother. Addie plans to secretly set him free on the moors, but if the wild Exmoor ponies reject him, she could be placing him in danger rather than helping him.
This poignant novel is beautifully written and explores the difficult issues of bullying, neglect and abuse with sensitivity. Rather than dwelling on why the children are in foster care, the tale offers insight into their emotions of rejection, confusion, anger and guilt. Despite the challenging subject matter, this is a positive tale, full of hope for a brighter future.
More about kinship
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Our video series with practitioners explores the powerful role of shared reading in helping children to bond with their carers, promoting emotional regulation and resilience and fostering a sense of identity.
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about horses and ponies
There has always been a special bond between humans and horses. This selection of books ranges from thrilling historical adventures to the contemporary reality of mucking out, with much emotional bonding throughout. Perfect for horse-mad children, nay (neigh?!) any child.
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Animal stories for older readers
These chapter books are perfect for engaging children who love animals, with something for everyone from reluctant readers to those reading above their age level.
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Books about children in foster care
Sometimes children need to be looked after by a foster carer – and every child deserves books with characters who have experienced something similar to them. Here is a selection of brilliant stories that all children will enjoy reading, with main characters who've been fostered.