Storm Horse

A mystery horse gallops on to a London housing estate, changing the lives of four kids who form the Secret Horse Society to protect him. Inspired by stories of Seabiscuit, they name him Jammie Dodger and work together to achieve their goals, even the Big Read Off.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

When a mysterious horse gallops onto a London housing estate in the middle of a storm, it will forever alter the lives of four children. This heartwarming tale celebrates neurodiversity and the power of alternative thinking, crafted by an author renowned for her honest, heartfelt, and inclusive stories. Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold's "The Last Bear" and Carlie Sorosiak's "I, Cosmo."

For Daniel Margate, life is a jumble of moving elements: letters, numbers, and even classrooms, sometimes. Daniel is dyslexic, and school often feels like a maze he cannot navigate. He finds himself in the lowest reading group, alongside other children who struggle to make sense of the confusion. Among them is Akin, who cannot stay still for more than two minutes and is often in trouble; sports star Ste, who is recovering from a car accident that has left him learning to walk again; and Molly-May, whose school uniform never fits and frequents the local foodbank.

However, everything changes when a mysterious horse gallops into their lives on a stormy evening. Determined to keep him safe, they form the Secret Horse Society and make a vow to protect this extraordinary creature. Inspired by the story of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, they name him Jammie Dodger and discover that when they work together, nothing seems impossible. Even the Big Read Off at school, which looms large on the horizon. They just need to keep their new horse friend a secret. How hard can it be to hide a horse, anyway?

As the Secret Horse Society unfolds its plans, they encounter various challenges and obstacles. They must navigate the complexities of keeping a secret, all while dealing with their own personal struggles and differences. But through their determination and teamwork, they overcome these challenges and create a bond that transcends their differences.

Jammie Dodger becomes a source of inspiration and hope for the children. He teaches them about resilience, perseverance, and the power of friendship. They learn to appreciate each other's unique abilities and strengths, and together, they achieve things they never thought possible.

The Secret Horse Society's journey is not without its share of heartache and tragedy. They face the loss of one of their own, and the children must learn to cope with the grief and move forward. But through it all, they remain united and determined to honor the memory of their friend.

In the end, the Secret Horse Society's story is a testament to the power of imagination, friendship, and the human spirit. It reminds us that we all have unique abilities and that it is our differences that make us stronger. It teaches us to embrace our challenges and to work together towards a common goal.

As the children bid farewell to Jammie Dodger and move on with their lives, they carry the lessons they learned from him with them. They continue to work together, to support each other, and to celebrate their differences. The Secret Horse Society may have come to an end, but the impact it had on their lives will remain forever.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781444955699