Sundance

Sofia's Story #0.5

by Laura Holt-Haslam

From grieving to healing: a horse, a boy, and the power of friendship.

Twelve-year-old Malachi Adams has always felt like an outsider. Ridiculed by his stepfather and bullied by his classmates because of his stutter, he finds solace in his dog, Sunny. After his mother takes Sunny to the vet to be euthanized, Mal is devastated he hasn't been given the opportunity to say goodbye.

When Mal gets lost in the woods, he discovers an abandoned pregnant mare. Believing that Sunny has led him to this horse, Mal decides to care for her and keep her safe until she gives birth.

After his classmate, Amelia, learns of Mal's secret, she offers to help. But even together, caring for a horse—and her newborn foal—is no easy task.

This story will capture the hearts of animal lovers and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2023

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malachi is grieving the loss of his best friend - his dog, Sunny. She was his anchor and comfort from the anxiety experienced in school. He’s being bullied because he stutters. Life for 12 year old Malachi is lonely.

Missing his dog greatly, Malachi runs off after school one day and discovers a horse that’s alone in a field - no food or water and seriously in need of grooming. He looks for an owner but the farm and house are vacant. After a day or two with no obvious sign the horse is being cared for, Malachi takes matters into his own hands.

Early in his journey with the neglected horse, Malachi finds help and friendship with a girl in his class. This is a story about reaching out, learning to trust, friendship, healing and horses. It’s poignant, heartwarming and provides multiple learning experiences, both animal and emotional.

A wonderful story for Middle Readers or the whole family📚

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lively novella about in a boy in need of friends and a horse in great need of care. Sundance is a foal born near the end of this story, and he can be met later in this series of books, showing how his life progressed. As for the boy and girl we follow, a shared love of animals brings them together, which will stand them in good stead.

Suitable for readers from eight or nine up, and any horse lovers who want a story more practical than daydream.
I bought the Kindle book. This is an unbiased review.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love horses, you will love this story. A boy who just had his old lab put down because of cancer. He stutters. He has a step father who is t exactly nice to him. And he is bullied at school. His best and only friend was his beloved dog. And the. He met a sweet palomino after he was lost inthe woods. And the details are heartwarming

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Ida Lukasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a quick read and so sweet.

[Cindy Topp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet and very well written. I recommend this book.