Finding Pony

by Kara Lucas

Kids in Bravo Hills trailer park usually have to grow up fast, and fifteen-year-old Jesse Sampson is no exception. With a meth addict for a mom and a drug dealer for a stepdad, Jesse spends most nights taking care of his sister, Pony.

But when the cops arrest his mom for a mini-mart robbery gone wrong, Jesse hides his sister under a pile of dirty clothes and escapes through a window. In the morning, he finds his mom and stepdad have been arrested, and Pony is gone. And due to a botched drug deal, she may also be in danger.

Scared, homeless, and desperate to find her, Jesse sets off on a trek that sends him from dusty rural back roads to the drug-infested streets of Los Angeles. He must dodge drug dealers, gangs, cops, and social workers as he searches to find Pony and ultimately, himself.

A gritty story told from the point of view of those most affected by other’s actions. Those with the most to lose. Disillusioned by the institutions designed to help, Jesse is forced to become an adult, and does his best to protect his sister and their way of family. Sometimes without much success. Jesse is villain. Jesse is a hero. Jesse is a survivor. Chance encounters teach him not everyone is who they appear, there are reasons . . . and there are consequences for everything.

Genres: Young Adult

312 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Kara Lucas is an emerging voice in women’s fiction, who enjoys weaving together stories infused with mystery, a touch of the paranormal, and the enduring themes of family, hope, and love.

Kara’s debut YA issue-driven novel, Finding Pony, published in 2015, follows Jesse, a teen boy, on his journey to find his sister in foster care, showcasing her deep understanding of family dynamics drawn from her 20 years of experience in the adoption field. With a Masters in Social Work, Kara has written home studies for over 300 families, giving her a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships and the power of connection.

Now pivoting to women’s fiction, she is excited to explore new narratives that resonate with readers looking for heartfelt stories that inspire.

Kara lives in Central California and when not writing, she enjoys being in nature, hiking in the Sierra Nevadas, and spending time on her family’s 160-year-old heritage farm. She and her husband love traveling to visit their five kids (living in five different states!), puttering around their country home, and teaching yoga. Her debut women’s fiction novel is currently on submission. She loves to connect with other writers and readers, and you can connect with her through all her socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, Goodreads, and her website, karalucasauthor.com

Reviews

[Gayle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, it's 1:17 AM and I just finished reading Finding Pony. There is so much to love about this novel. First of all, I love the chapter titles. They are especially poignant - defining words, terms --- the way we learn to "read" life, to understand, and then these defining terms reflect the idea that Jesse in each chapter is defining what is his, what isn't his, where he belongs, or doesn't belong; who he can trust or not trust; what he wants to do and what he cannot do no matter how much he wants to, etc. Terms that he must learn to understand how to take what is his, what he wants from what life brings to him. I love that.

And then the pace is swift, the tension strong. Bad thing after bad thing happens, one decision meant to heal or do good that only brings another problem. Great control of craft in keeping the reader wanting to see what happens next.

There is balance too. A mix of broken people, cruel and dangerous. Sprinkled in, a few people with good intentions, good hearts. Those like Aurora, who provide moments of hope, but are lost to their own weakness and struggles; those like Daniel and Bethany who understand and respect the struggle that is life and yet can open their hearts to Jesse. Those like the Calloways who are trying to understand the fragile act that is adoption, not just for themselves but for everyone involved.

What this author has created is lovely, aching, poignant, and hopeful. A beautiful novel.

Worth staying up to finish.



Gayle

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of working with Kara Lucas, the author of Finding Pony, for several years at a Foster Family & Adoption agency. I therefore had first hand knowledge of the quality of her writing & of her heart for the child welfare field. Because of this, I was eager to get my hands on Finding Pony, read it much quicker than I anticipated - and the storyline was what I knew her to be capable of. The author illuminated the emotions, angst and challenges of a foster child beautifully. The characters reflect emotional transitions to their new way of life ~ just as a foster child truly might. However, the book is a work of dramatic fiction, and readers should not assume that this fictional framework may be a “reality” of a prospective adoptive placement. I wish to avoid "spoilers" but can confidently say: Placements aren't usually quite this legally dramatic. As a conclusion, the book includes resources and ways to help children in the system, which I loved. I consider this book to be a great read for anyone interested in the child welfare system, for teenage youth in care, or someone who just likes a fast paced and tense YA story line.

[Bonnie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINDING PONY is the kind of first novel that reminds you of what it felt like to fall in love with reading.

This may be the first book by Kara Lucas, but it won't be the last. If you like issue-driven fiction drawn with equal sensitivity and honesty, I recommend PONY.

This story has it all--strong, sympathetic characters, the brutal reality of the foster-care system (a subject the author, a social worker, knows well), and a realistic depiction of these often scary yet sometimes hopeful times in which we live.

[Patricia Kaniasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when I can give someone a five star rating. If I could give more this one get more. Just an over all great story. Parts brought tears to my eyes. Other parts had me on the edge of my seat. But I sure do love a happy ending..................doesn't everyone??

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this through the Goodreads Giveaway program.

I don't know where to start, except to say, that this was one of those books that you didn't want to end. The hero was just someone you wanted to know more about. His future becomes entwined with your own.

Jesse and his little sister, 'Pony,' are separated when his mother is arrested for selling and using drugs. Pony is taken by CPS and Jesse escapes, running to an aunt in the belief that she will be given custody of both of them. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen and is the catalyst for several decisions that cause Jesse more pain and learning experiences than a sixteen should have to go through. The cast of characters he encounters will leave an impact on you and everyone you interact with in the future.

Foster care, juvenile detention, the incarceration of parents, the drug trade, adoption processes and the plight of overworked social workers are all inherent in a system that has a child's best interests at heart, while not always being successful on an individual basis.

If you have ever considered the possibility of helping runaways, children in need of adoption or in foster care, you need to read this book. If you, or someone you know, are attending college majoring in social work, education, the law, sociology, criminal justice or psychology they must read this book. If you are concerned about news stories you hear, or read, involving children, about the rise in the number of criminals incarcerated in this country or the number of lives lost to drugs, please read this and become active in your community.

Thank you, Kara, for writing a book that says so much about society today and including the resources you share at the end that gives each of us a starting point so we can make a difference. If there were ever a time, that each of us could make an effort to help someone else, it is now.

Remember; '... ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'

One person at a time.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was hooked on the story when I saw read the synopsis in the list of the Giveaways. I knew that whether I won the book or not that I would eventually read it!
First, since this is the authors first book I'll start off with a review about the technicalities of the book, which is something I don't usually do, or pay that much attention to. The book was well written and contained very little errors in spelling, missing words, or punctuation; again, very little! What I did find I feel was no more than what I'd consider a "big name" author would have in their book. I felt that the characters progressed and grew, especially Jesse. The book is written well, where the words just flow easily as you read! I found myself reading half of the book in the first day! The chapters are short; personally I love that! The definitions of words that seem to be the chapter names is amazing! The cover photo was also something that stuck out to me! I used the picture as my minds picture of Jesse the whole book! I could easily seeing this book becoming a major motion picture with great following!!!!
Now to the story itself! OH MY GOSH! I knew from the very first page of Chapter One, which is only half of a page, that I was hooked! The story just draws you in so easily! I'm not sure that the story drew me in so easily because it was so drama filled or that it just felt so real to life. What I mean by it being real to life is that most of us may have never experienced a tenth of what Jesse and his family experienced, but even the "normal" thought processes about survival and battling our own self and mind is what makes it real to life! I love that the story is written from the voice of Jesse! NOTHING is hidden from you as you read of what is going on in his head!
I can't say much more than for you to just read the book!

[Carlla · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT: I felt the book was good, it is a very easy read. I felt that the story line was plausible. I went to the book signing and heard the author speak on why she wrote the book. As a social worker in the adoption arena she came into contact with a boy who took care of his sibling (like in the book), she wanted to give this boy a happy ending. I have heard discussed how so many things happened to the boy that it could not possibly all have happened. It is fiction, but I feel that everything in this book could have happened. As much as we try to think the best of people there are people out there that are not so nice. Being in this boys place he was living the life of being around people that were not so nice. When you are not yet 18 you are controlled by these people or you are put into CPS or Juve and adults even in those fields do not always have the best interest of the child at heart. Do they look to see why his behavior is this way, what has happened to this child for him to choose this action? Adults many times have an agenda of their own and I could see very clearly why a child in his circumstance would not trust an adult or just not trust period. Plus he is still a child yet being thrown into an adult world. I think if anything it would help people that have never had to deal with anything like this to possibly get a glimpse of understanding.

[Carol Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!

I honestly could not put this book down. I loved this book.

This is a story about a brother who loves his little sister. While his mother is getting arrested, Jesse hides his little sister Pony under some blankets and hoofs it out the window. When he goes back to get her, she is gone. This is the story about his journey finding his little sister, and when he does, he has to make the biggest decision of his life, while trying to look out for himself. Because of his experiences, his behaviour seems out of control, and he is labelled as being out of control, explosive, fights, etc........

I loved how the story ended...it was very satisfying.

Thanks again for the book. I really liked getting a bookmark along with the book.

[Amy Talbot-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling glimpse into the foster system and the psyche of a young boy who’d been trapped within it, Finding Pony is equal parts gut-wrenching and heartwarming. It is the story of a boy (Jesse), who has faced unspeakable tragedy and is trying desperately to keep his younger sister (Pony) from experiencing the same fate. As the story unfolds, the reader is immersed in Jesse’s heroic attempts—wrought with ill-fated turns, poor choices, and bad luck—to find and protect his sister.

Finding Pony not only explores the unbreakable familial bond of brother and sister, but also dives into the deep psychological impact that being raised in a system devoid of stability has on the growth of a child and their ability to learn to trust, love and be loved.

[Anne Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every teenager/ no person who complains about their life and thinks they should have more. Please read Finding Pony, and you will find yourselves thankful every minute for what you have. Ms. Lucas has created characters who are not so lucky, and yet they fill our heart, and we at for them, we ache for them to do more than survive in this world. She writes with knowledge and intelligence, but tugs just enough for every reader to find reason to continue reading. Get it for your teenagers, get it for yourself, and learn about a world that should shame us for allowing even one teenager to live in it. Read for the 2nd book Ms. Lucas. Great job!!!!!!

[Leeanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jesse Sampson draws you in from the very first page. He's a young man, who is human, he makes mistakes in his life, but his goal is steadfast, to find his sister Pony at all costs. This is a story that lets the reader peer into the lives of Foster kids, it is no easy thing to be separated from the ones you love, even if their the ones who hurt you the most. An exceptional book, I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book was really intense and at times hard to get through because of how real the subject matter was, but it was such a good book. While I didn't always agree with Jesse and the choices he made, I definitely felt for him and everything he went through, and I really wanted his story to have a happy ending. It was very eye opening to the inter-workings of the U.S. foster system. This story is definitely going to be leaving a lasting impact on me for many, many years to come.

[Candace Lacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I read it straight through, and loved every chapter! I really felt for Jesse, having to experience so many hardships at such a young age. I have been homeless myself as a kid, and could relate to some of what he went through. This was a great read, and I definitely recommend this book to teens and adults alike!

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book from a goodreads giveaway. I really liked this book. It was very real and moving. I wish it didn't have so many f bombs. I can see how that adds to the reality of the characters in the book but I think it could have been done without them (or without so many of them). Overall I really enjoyed the story though. Definitely worth keeping. A quick read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won in a Goodreads giveaway. Really enjoyed this book about our social services system. How one can fall through the cracks, while others are fortunate enough to get a chance for a good life.

[Annette Rasp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was easy to read and very hard to put down.

[Susan A Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Pony is very well written; I couldn't put it down. It does an incredible job of giving the reader a glimpse into the world of many kids who are struggling to stay alive. It's a must read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara is a friend of mine, so I bought her book to support her, not knowing what to expect. Wow! From the first page I was drawn into the story and enjoyed it all the way to the end.

The main character, Jesse, is endearing and real. The story moves quickly, with each chapter leaving you wanting to know what happens next. However, I didn’t want to finish it too quickly because I wanted to make the enjoyment last. The story gives you lots of food for thought.

As a teacher, I found the story of Jesse and his sister Pony to be both heartfelt and educational. Developing empathy for others is a great effect of good fiction, and Kara has done a wonderful job of telling an important story of an often marginalized demographic, namely children who, through no fault of their own, end up at the mercy of our foster care system and social services.

I highly recommend this book to teachers, parents, teens, and anyone who cares deeply about helping support children to have the best opportunities in life.

Well done, Kara! I hope you write more books!

[RichBrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayyy that's my boi... Grant Addington we legit chillin in english rn!!!!!!

[Jon Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in A Book Barn looking for something new to read and I noticed this novel, Finding Pony, and it looked interesting. I’ve not, in the past, been exactly an avid reader of young adult titles. but I gave it a try. This is a good novel. It got to the point that I was unable to set it down as I had to know what new dilemma Jesse would get into. Kara Lucas woke me up to what happens in the troubled mind of a teenager raised by questionable parentage. A good read and I highly recommend it.

[Michelle Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a middle school teacher, I was excited to read this book. Even though the writing seems ok for a middle school comprehension level, the subject matter was more appropriate for high school students. I think this may be a very good choice for a high school student looking for an edgy read. At first, the names threw me - Pony and Darryl. I thought it was connected somehow to The Outsiders. Once I got past that, however, Kara Lucas' voice pulled me into the story. I am sure that many of Jesse's challenges came from her experiences as a social worker in the system and they felt very real. The book is a gritty, gripping story.

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Pony is a powerfully emotional book for young adults and adults. If you've ever wondered what you would do to keep your family together, Finding Pony makes you think about it.
I am looking forward to Kara's next book. My students will love this.
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for a copy of Finding Pony. It's a winner.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my absolute favorite books!!

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book