Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales

by M.J. Evans

“The story is not just a compelling drama, it’s also educational. Highly recommended to 9–12-year-olds” The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)
“A simple, yet powerful story.” Emily-Jane Hills Orford Readers’ Favorite
"Middle grade readers already familiar with Evans’ intriguing method of pairing history with horses will find this latest adventure as thoroughly engaging and attractive as her prior books." Diane Donovan - Midwest Book Reviews

Imagine living in a mine 2,000 feet underground, in the damp and the dark, and filled with rat Young Bethan is living a peaceful life in a coal mining town in South Wales. Her parents have sacrificed to send her to a private girls’ school. But her world crumbles when her father is badly injured after a section of the mine collapses.
Setting her dreams aside for the time being, Bethan must help support her family. Defying the laws forbidding it, she goes to work 2,000 feet underground in the dark, damp, and terrifying coal mine.
Her only source of comfort comes in the form of Dobbin, the very pit pony who saved her father’s life.

Genres: Historical Fiction

209 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

I am a graduate of Oregon State University. Upon graduation, I spent five years teaching at the middle school and high school levels. My writing, at that time, was limited to curriculum. That was not fun.

While raising my children, I coached their Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams for seventeen years. I helped them write their own stories for the competitions. During this time, I also wrote two parent handbooks for the Salem, Oregon School district on sex education.

About fifteen years ago, I was able to combine my passion for horses with my love of writing. I researched and wrote two equestrian trail guide books for the Denver area. By “research” I mean that I spent every Friday riding my horse on a new trail, be it on the plains or in the mountains. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! The result of that work was the publication of Riding Colorado-Day Trips from Denver with Your Horse, and Riding Colorado II. Both books continue to sell very well in the Denver to Colorado Springs area and have made my horse famous.

I was able to combine my love of horses with my love of fantasy in my first Trilogy. The Mist Trilogy, comprised of Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and the Rising Mist received a gold medal from the Mom's Choice Awards. My next fantasy, an allegory of the Revolutionary War, but with Trolls and Leprechauns, won first place in the Purple Dragonfly Awards for fantasy. I took a brief (2 year) break from writing fantasy to complete a contemporary, coming of age novel titled "In the Heart of a Mustang." This YA novel won first place in the Literary Classics Awards for Young Adult fiction and second place in the Nautilus Awards in the same category.

On October 1, 2016, I released the first book of my new fantasy series "The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles."

I have now expanded my writing interests to include Historical Fiction: "PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History," and "The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII."
I have also had fun working with illustrators on five picture books: "PERCY - The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run," and "The Skullington Family Series."

I describe myself as a “Mozart” type of writer as opposed to a “Beethoven” writer. When I sit down to write, the words just flow and I don’t have to go back and do a lot of revisions.

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a Welsh village, where the coal mine is the centre of life for all inhabitants, this is a delightful read. The author cleverly describes the role pit ponies play in the mine's operation and the inherent danger of underground mining. The plot revolves around a young girl’s unbreakable bond with a special pit pony. Written in an informative manner, I learned a lot from this novel. Read this book! You will never regret it.

[Rosemary Mairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book by M.J. Evans I have enjoyed. The author brings historical periods to life through an equestrian perspective – the solving of a racehorse mystery in ‘Finding Fionn’, a wartime challenge in The Sand Pounder’, the role of pit ponies in 20th century Welsh coal mining is the theme of ‘Coal Dust and Dreams’.

Evans depicts young people showing courage and determination in the face of adversity. I defy anyone not to love Bethan, the gutsy protagonist, although her pit pony, Dobbin, almost steals the show. The process and mechanics of coal mining has obviously been meticulously researched, the long challenging hours of toil endured by man and horse will probably be an eye opener for the young readers this book is written for.

An aspect of their working conditions I hadn't previously considered was the problem of vermin. I have a phobia of rats and really pitied poor Bethan having to contend with them in dark tunnels, one even ran up her arm! She doesn't let this deter her, the young heroes in Evans’ books are made of tough stuff.

‘Coal Dust and Dreams’ is a lovely addition to M.J. Evans’ literary stable. Highly recommend.

[Basil Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Read

"Coal Dust and Dreams" by M.J. Evans is a delightful read that captivated me, despite being targeted at a younger audience. As an older man with a love for horses, I was hooked by the straightforward yet immersive storyline. The book offers a poignant glimpse into the world of Welsh coal mining before World War 2, expertly weaving historical context with a beautiful friendship between Dobbin, a pit pony, and Bethan, a pre-teen girl.

The novel touches on timeless issues without being overly explicit, allowing readers to discover them organically. The characters are beautifully developed, evoking a strong desire to see them succeed and their dreams fulfilled. The bond between Dobbin and Bethan is particularly special, showcasing the themes of loyalty, trust, commitment, love, and friendship that are woven throughout the narrative.

The relationship between horse and owner is always unique, and this story captures that essence beautifully. Overall, "Coal Dust and Dreams" is a captivating read that I highly recommend.

[Hollie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story of resilience and friendship. This novel captures the challenging realities of mining life through the tender bond between a young girl and her loyal pony. Heartwarming and meaningful.

[J.E. Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Coal Dust and Dreams by M.J. was like stepping straight into another world — one that was dark, dangerous, and full of grit, but also unexpectedly tender and full of hope. The story of the young girl and her pit pony stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

What struck me most was how vividly the author painted life in the Welsh coal mines. I could almost feel the dust in the air and the weight of the underground silence pressing down. The hardships were portrayed honestly, but there was also a sense of resilience and quiet beauty running through the pages.

The relationship between the girl and her pit pony felt incredibly moving. It wasn’t just about survival, but about trust, companionship, and finding light in the darkest of places. Their bond gave the book its heart, and I found myself rooting for them both with every challenge they faced.

For me, this book wasn’t just historical fiction — it was a reminder of the sacrifices and strength of ordinary people, especially children, whose stories often go unheard. M.J. managed to balance the harshness of coal mining life with the warmth of human (and animal) connection in a way that was both heartbreaking and uplifting.

Overall, Coal Dust and Dreams was powerful, emotional, and beautifully told. It left me reflecting on resilience, on dreams that rise even from the dust, and on the unbreakable bond between a girl and her pony. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical stories that are as emotional as they are eye-opening.

[R Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coal Dust and Dreams by MJ Evans. I am an older manly man, so I thought well I’ll give this book a try because the author has a great reputation and the subject matter is intriguing – despite it skewing very young female. I was really very, very pleasantly surprised. Rather than outline the story, I will just say this is a period piece in Wales and centers around coal mining. The main character is a sweet girl who needs to pitch in by taking her fathers place in the dirty dangerous rat filled mine while he recovers from having his legs crushed and the work horse she forms a relationship with.

The book is very engagingly written, The people, places and events are warmly and richly put forth in an intelligent soft and relatable style. The little girls foil (in the positive sense) is Dobbin a very special "pit pony" with whom she moves forward in adversity, adventure, danger and triumph. The conditions under which Dobbin, the miners and other pit ponies must toil are hellish – on a good day.

I really heartily recommend this book for anyone who has curiosity about this time period and mine work - but especially the social conditions within which the author sets a warm and engaging story full of heart. You will learn, you will feel and you will worry then thrill. Really well done!

[Melissa Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming Historic Tale of Pit Ponies

The story starts out in Wales with a Grandmother telling a story to her granddaughter, Quinn, about working in a coal mine with her favorite pit pony, Dobbin. Then the story goes on to tell more about a young girl named Bethan with her father, Thomas or "Tad" and her mother Catrin or "Mam." Bethan's father works in the Penallta coal mine to send his daughter to school. Coal mining is dangerous work. The first pit pony Bryn has an injured hoof. Bethan falls in love with an injured pony named Dobbin, her father's pit pony. When her father has broken his legs in the mine, Bethan quits school to work in the coal mine with her father's pony Dobbin. There Bethan meets her friend Dylan and their friendship blossoms as Bethan struggles with working in austere conditions of the coal mine. She has to work with knee deep water with rats and carry her lunch. Bethan wants to become a veterinarian one day.

Dobbin is entered into pit pony contests at the Hengoed Flower Festival and Olympia International Horse Show, of which Dobbin is the favorite and the champion. World War II starts. Dylan is going to war, and Bethan is unhappy. Dobbin goes blind, and is a retired pit pony that Bethan takes care of him the rest of his life. This story is beautifully told. I feel like this story aligns so well with history, it could be a movie.

[Susan O.Pincus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coal Dust and Dreams was a delightful and interesting book, set in a small Welch village, where the coal mine played a very important role in the lives of the people living in the area. The author brilliantly describes the important role pit ponies played in transporting coal through the mine and how difficult and sometimes dangerous, working in a coal mine can be for both humans and horses. The engaging story centers on how a young girl’s life and future were influenced by a special pit pony who shared with her both triumphant and challenging times. The book had an interesting ending using a “flash forward” with the main character telling her granddaughter the rest of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to all ages.

[Cindy Grenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great horse story

I loved this book! It was so much fun learning about Wales and the Pit ponies. This is a story with so much heart, you almost feel like you are there with them.

[Tenkara Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For middle-grade and young adult readers, "Coal Dust and Dreams" is one of the most memorable books I have read this year. This historical fiction novel explores coal mining in Wales during the 1930s, focusing on the horses that worked in the mines, known as "Pit Ponies," who carried out the heavy labor. The story is rich in detail and emotion, and I learned a lot about this period in history, including the impact of WW2 on this industry and the people who worked in the mines. At the end of the book, the author shares her research, which adds depth to the narrative. After finishing it, I felt that the author should consider adapting this story into a screenplay because it is as impactful as classics like "My Friend Flicka," "Black Beauty," and "Secretariat." I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in horses, history, and an unforgettable story.

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coal Dust and Dreams is the fourth novel by M J Evans that I’ve read, and like the others (The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy, Finding Fionn, and The Sand Pounder) it didn’t disappoint.

Subtitled The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales, Coal Dust and Dreams is the fascinating and riveting tale of Bethan, a bright and appealing eleven-year-old who steps up to the plate when her father (“Tad”), a miner, is badly injured in an accident at the mine.

Bethan suspends her education at a local grammar school, where she’s been working hard in the hope of being able one day to qualify as a veterinary surgeon, to work at the mine and supplement the family’s much reduced income. Though she starts with above-ground work, she soon decides to venture underground when she hears that her father’s pit pony, Dobbin, with whom Bethan had formed a strong bond with when she previously looked after him at home while he recovered from an injury, was refusing to work with any other miners in Tad’s continuing absence.

Dobbin works willingly for Bethan, who undergoes the gruelling and vividly depicted work in the mine. To reveal further developments in the narrative would be to give spoilers — suffice to say that the story flows along at an easy but never slow pace, keeping the reader engaged with the characters and events and turning the pages to find out what happens next.

A further layer of interest in the book is the detail about life in a mine in the 1930s and the early years of the Second World War. The author has evidently been diligent and meticulous in her research.

A long time ago as a horse-obsessed tween and teen, I would have devoured this book, and I thoroughly recommend it now!

[Greg Vigdor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and Educational

An enjoyable tale about a family- and a horse- working in the coal mines in Wales. I was expecting a grim tale and thought the book about to go there every time a miner coughed or the mine shaft shook. But it proved to be a far more upbeat book than I imagined possible.

The central character is a young girl who finds herself working in the mines after her father is injured. His job is to guide a horse that pulls coal through the dark, dangerous and rat filled mine corridors. She is the only one who can get the horse to get back to work and be productive after his injuries, though it is illegal for her to be working in the mine. She and the horse deal with many challenges throughout the book- but far be it from me to be a spoiler of the details.

My surprise was I learned a slice of history: the role of horses in mining. As the book went on, this historic niche expanded beyond the timeline of the immediate story to a much longer historical perspective on the topic, and this was appreciated.

The characters were well developed, and likable. Even some of the antagonists. The setting was described well, and the book was very readable. I didn’t think a bleak coal mine would be the setting for an uplifting book. Congratulations on a well written, researched and thoughtful book.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it isn’t very long, ‘Coal Dust and Dreams’ by US author, M. J. Evans is an excellent book. I was gripped from the very first page as I learned about young Bethan and her life in a small mining village in South Wales in the late 1930’s. Her dream and that of her parents was for her to go to grammar school then university and become educated enough to find a job as a teacher or a nurse, as befitting a young woman in that era. Her father worked hard to realise this dream. Then he was injured in an accident and Dobbin came into her life.
As a horse lover, I considered Dobbin the main character, and what a wonderful character he was.
This book is expertly written. The characters are real and the situations Bethan finds herself in are plausible and well-thought out – the hard work, the dangerous situations and of course, the fact that it was illegal for women and children to work underground. Oh, and don’t forget the rats. That part freaked me out a lot.
Bethan’s joy in her relationship with Dobbin, her friendship with Dylan and the horse shows she attended with her beloved horse nicely balanced the hardships she suffered, and if like me you grew up on ‘Black Beauty,’ you will adore this book.

[Helga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the historical fiction novel Coal Dust and Dreams by M.J. Evans. Set in a 1930s Welsh mining village, this captivating tale follows young Bethan and her friendship with Dobbin, a loyal pit pony.
What impressed me most was the story's authenticity. The characters felt entirely real, and Evans brings the era to life with vivid detail—I could almost smell the coal dust in the air. Bethan's emotions are portrayed with such honesty that every joy, fear, and hope felt genuine. Despite the harsh backdrop of poverty and the looming shadow of World War II, the story never loses its warmth or humanity.
One thing that particularly touched me was learning about the relationship between the miners and their pit ponies. While the mine owners might not have shown much concern, it was heartening to discover how the miners themselves cared deeply for these brave animals who shared their dangerous underground world.
In this thoughtful story, Evans shows us how friendship and kindness can flourish even in the harshest conditions.

[Ailsa Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Coal Dust and Dreams’ is a heartwarming and uplifting story about triumph and tribulation; the beauty of friendship and the power of familial bonds. The author, M J Evans, transports the reader back in time (almost a century) to the village and tight-knit mining community of Hengoed in South Wales where livelihoods were centred around the pit. But aside the men who risked their livings working underground in dire conditions, the real heroes of Evans’ novel are the pit ponies who were used to transport materials in and coal out of the mine. The plot centres around Evans’ protagonist, Bethan, the young daughter of an injured minor who assumes her father’s role in the pit to work alongside Dobbie, his pit pony, with whom she has a special bond. It is clear that Evans’ undertook extensive research when writing this novel, evoking a sense of time and place, notably the hardship underpinning these stoic communities. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to teens and adults alike.

[Cassia Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coal Dust and Dreams is an engaging story about a young girl living in Wales in the 1930s, who’s forced to leave school when her father is injured in an accident. She takes his place in the coal mines, working with a pit pony who refuses to work with anyone else.

The best historical fiction evokes a time and place with authentic details, and this story does that really well. I love the tenderness between the protagonist and Dobbin, the pit pony. There is no shying away from the horrors of coal mining in general and accidents (to both men and horses) in particular.

As someone who loves horses, it is difficult to read about ponies who spend most of their lives working underground, but there is some reprieve in the chapters where Dobbin is taken to shows. I enjoyed how closely we follow the young protagonist and even get a glimpse of her in the future.

Considering the subject matter, this story may be more suitable for older teens (or even adults who love horses and history) than for younger children.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, Deep and Eye-opening

I just finished Coal Dust and Dreams, and I loved it. The story pulled me in right from the start. Bethan is such a strong, real character. When her father gets hurt, she doesn’t hesitate she steps into the coal mines to help her family. That alone made me admire her. But what truly got me was her bond with Dobbin, the pit pony. Their connection felt honest and deep.
I didn’t know much about mining in Wales before this, but the book paints a clear picture. It’s dark, dangerous, and full of risks. The scenes underground were intense. I could almost feel the damp and hear the rats. But the book isn’t just about hard times it’s about courage, love, and doing what needs to be done.
As someone who loves horses, Dobbin completely stole my heart. He’s more than just a pony; he’s a lifeline for Bethan. Their friendship is what carried me through the tough parts.
This book was emotional, eye-opening, and full of heart. I think anyone who cares about history, animals, or brave young characters will enjoy it as much as I did. I’m really glad I read it.

[Busy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this children’s novel – it not only told a heart-warming, adventurous story of a young girl who had to work down in a Welsh mine in the 1930s, it also had lots of historically accurate information about working conditions in mines during the period, the life of pit ponies, the dangers and difficulties of working down in coal mines, and the showing and display of pit ponies at London’s Olympia. The characters were really easy to relate to, particularly the main character, Bethan, who had difficult challenges to face and overcame them bravely, and it was lovely to see that she and Dobbin had a happy ending after all the sad things that happened to them. Recommended reading, especially for horse lovers and young people who enjoy learning about the past through fiction – would make a good selection for a school library or as a class read for a topic about mining or life in the nineteen thirties.

[Gloria Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story told with warmth and caring about a close-knit family that shared the burdens and joys of life, working in a coalmining town. Her father was someone who knew a bit about keeping horses healthy, and when they had injuries, he was the one who tended them. He and his daughter, whom he taught how to apply the salve and change bandages when he was not home. She enjoyed learning and caring for the horses and was fond of Dobbin, the pit pony her Dad had worked with in the mine.

When her father was injured on the job, eleven-year-old Bethan accepted the responsibility of temporarily leaving her schooling and work at the coal mine to support her family. Although she was initially assigned to work in the above-ground facility, when a horse needed gentle handling, she was called on to keep the horse calm and working. There is so much more to the story. A warm and gentle story: you’ll have a great read.

[John Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read through Coal Dust and Dreams by M.J. Evans, I was transported to the gritty, heartfelt world of 1930s South Wales. Bethan, a determined young girl, touched me as she left school to work in the treacherous coal mines after her father’s injury. Her bond with Dobbin, the pit pony who saved her father, is the story’s soul, radiating tenderness and resilience. Evans masterfully paints the harsh realities of mining life—damp darkness, rats, and brutal work conditions—while weaving in hope and loyalty. The historical details are vivid, making Hengoed’s tight-knit community feel alive. Though the rhomboid dots separating chapter sections were slightly misaligned, this formatting hiccup didn’t dim the story’s shine. For fans of historical fiction this 2025 Eric Hoffer Award winner is a must-read. It’s a poignant, inspiring tale, best suited for older teens and horse-loving adults. I’m neither, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the moving story.

[Wes Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children’s book, although it has some sensitive subject matter in it. I think a little discussion with your child before they read this book would not be a bad idea but, in comparison what many children are exposed to on the internet, it doesn’t rank that high.
It’s a lovely story, all the more interesting because it’s based on fact. There are no “edge of your seat” twists and turns or action sequences. Also, the angst and inner rage that seems so prevalent in much of today’s writing is not there. These are positives in my opinion.
It’s definitely a horse story and will be appreciated by those who are into horses. It follows the experiences and struggles of a girl and her coal-mining family. The author weaves the story through historical events. At the end, there are photos of coal miners and their pit ponies from the mines in Wales. These add authenticity and a visual picture.

[Mikkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming historical tale

Such a lovely, heartwarming read! It pulled me in and I wanted to read more and more about the young girls tale. I learned so much about coal mining in the 1930’s and the experiences of the area. I loved how the story centered around the use of pit ponies and a young girl's experience with them.

The characters were portrayed really well and were appropriate to the age of the characters and time. The main character starts out at age 11 and the fears and experiences she has feel very appropriate. How the author portrayed her being a girl doing men's work was wonderful to read out. Some took her under their wing and others gave her a hard time.

I enjoyed how the story starts and ends by telling the tale to her granddaughter. It was a nice touch that brought everything together and brought us back to our current time.

[Prateek · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You poked my heart," is the phrase that comes to me as I leave this review. This book explores a lot of emotions. There is a historical setting and the bond between beast and human is explored in quite some detail. It is both heartwarming and gut-wrenching. After reading through the struggles you'll be grateful for the world we live in now and would appreciate what you have. There are some pictures strewn across the book, too. That was interesting.
The narrative of the book flows pretty steadily. For me personally, though, there were areas which were way too descriptive. Came to a point I would skip through some sentences to move on. I like something left to the imagination, too! But, again, that is personal preference. Overall, to those who want to check out this genre, I would definitely recommend this book and would be checking out more works from this author.

[Tellen Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely short book well worth your time

So for starters this book is short, which is not a bad thing. I would rather have a short book that is good than a 500 page book that waffles on.
Excellently written throughout, as a girl who grew up with horses it was right up my street. Dobbin being the best character of course!
The way the historical period is dealt with is incredible and really makes you fell like you are there.
Another book I will be adding to my re-read list to share with my nieces who will love this kind of thing. A good way to show them that the past wasn’t better than the times we are living in now in every way.
Coal dust and dreams is worth the read and I highly recommend you give it a go you will not be disappointed. I look forward to finding out and reading other books by this author.

[Suse Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and heartwarming tale

This book is about a young girl raised in a poor community of South Wales who dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Her family sends her to a good school, although they can barely afford it. After her father becomes injured in a coal mine, young Bethan leaves school to work in the mine and becomes attached to a pit pony named Dobbin. The rest of the story is about the trials faced by those working in a coal mine as well as the harsh conditions pit ponies endured. Dobbin eventually leaves the mine to compete in equestrian contests. The story is believable and told with heart. Young readers will learn a great deal about coal mining, horses, and the determination of families to work together to overcome obstacles.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can*]

When I was a pit-pony driver

Just a boy all alone in the dark

In the dirt and the damp

With a smokey oil lamp

My one grain of comfort was Spark.

There was something about that wee pony

On which I could always depend.

Like the bond between Shepherd and sheepdog

Or cowboy and four-legged friend.

I remember the first time

That my lamp went out.

The darkness was blacker than night.

I clung to Spark’s tail,

Knowing he wouldn’t fail,

And he led me right back to the light.

(From the poem “Spark” by J.R. Green, Doncaster)

Poem at beginning of the book.
----

[Rocco Spanò · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read novel

I really enjoyed reading this historical novel. It is set in a Welsh mining village in the 1930s and is a gripping story. I loved young Bethan and her friendship with Dobbin, a loyal mining pony. The characters feel so real and Evans brings the era to life in such detail that it feels like you are there. Bethan describes the emotions, the joy, the fear and the hope in an authentic way. Although it is set in poverty and the shadow of the Second World War, the story never loses its warmth and humanity. This story teaches us how friendship and kindness can thrive even in the most difficult of conditions.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical fiction on the lives of coal mining families in Wales, and the "pit ponies" that worked (and died) alongside the miners. Although written for YA or teens, I found it a compelling and insightful story.

[Curious Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the novel, Coal Dust and Dreams, readers are given a glimpse into the hard and courageous life of Welsh coal miners, their pit ponies, and families over an extended period of time. This story resonates with me because my own family worked in Appalachia coal mines in the 1800s and early 1900s--different, yet the same.

Bethany is the daughter of Catrin and Michael, a poor couple who wants their daughter to get an education. Thomas is a haulier, working with the pit ponies that pull trams filled with coal to the pit head. When her father is badly injured, Bethan leaves school and goes to work in the mine to help support her family during Thomas's recovery.

The characters are endearing and themes include family, friendship, loyalty and compassion.

This novel appears very well researched, echoing many stories handed down in my family, including the desire for an education. But while I already knew about the toll coal mining takes on human bodies, pit ponies are new to me. Reading Coal Dust and Dreams, I can't deny my heart and stomach clenched over and over at the thought of those amazing animals, who in real life toiled underground--rarely, if ever, seeing sunlight or breathing fresh air. However, in historical notes, the author assures readers that while pit ponies were generally regarded as a commodity by the mine owners, on the whole, they were well cared for as a VALUABLE commodity and were often loved by their hauliers.

Coal Dust and Dreams is told in both third person and omniscient points of view. The novel reminds me of the classic children's novels I studied in college and I expect it will have the lasting power of those classics.

In addition to independent reading, this book would be a great project for school classes to read together, accompanied by discussion about the history of coal and coal mining.

An enthusiastic 5 stars for Coal Dust and Dreams.

[Nicola McDonagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching tale of a girl and her pony.

If you love horses and reading heart-warming stories about them, then this is the book for you. Especially if you are interested in the history surrounding pit ponies. 

I particularly liked the use of sensual descriptions to create atmosphere. We are effectively transported to 1930’s Wales, with smells, sounds, and traditional food that successfully recreate the era.

I enjoyed the detailed, sad account of the pit pony's back-breaking life down the mines. It gave the story a reality so I could empathise with the animals, and the main character, Bethan, as she tends the sick ponies her father brings home.

The story comes to a climax when there is an accident in the mine, and Bethan’s father is trapped with only his faithful pony Dobbin by his side. No spoilers as to what happens next, but Bethan’s cosy life is turned upside down into a world of drudgery, until she is called to help aid and attend to the miserable pit ponies below ground. But worry not, things do begin to look up for Bethan and Dobbin as the story progresses.

I do have a small gripe. There were too many pauses in the story arc to reveal the historical details about the mines. The dialogue often just listed the facts about the pit ponies and mining experiences, rather than allowing the reader to experience the events along with the characters.

Overall, I enjoyed reading about Bethan and Dobbin. A tale full of ups and downs. Not least the start of WW2. But despite the drama and impending doom of the war, there are lots of lovely scenes of bonding and love between the child and the pony, which will delight any horse lover, young and old.

The notes at the end of the book were great, really informative, and made the plight of the pit ponies even more tragic.