No Horse Wanted (Shamrock Stables Book 1)
#1 of 6 in Shamrock Stables Series
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
Robin Gibson wants a car for her sixteenth birthday, but her family tradition dictates a horse instead. She selects Twaziem, an abused horse, intending to nurse him back to health and sell him for the car money. However, as she rehabilitates Twaziem, he begins to affect her relationships with her family and friends. Robin must decide whether Twaziem is just an investment or a meaningful part of her future.
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey in finding a horse? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think teamwork and friendship are important themes in this story?
How do the characters in Shamrock Stables overcome their challenges? What can we learn from them?
If you were a character in the book, which one would you want to be and why?
What is one thing you would change in the story, and what would the outcome be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, focusing on what resonated with them the most.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as portrayed in the book, relating it to your child’s personal experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios within the story to foster creative thinking.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter, discussing possible solutions or lessons learned.
Create a fun interactive reading time by role-playing some scenes from the book to deepen understanding of the characters' emotions and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: In 'No Horse Wanted', the protagonist faces initial setbacks in achieving their dreams at Shamrock Stables but persists through difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up when encountering obstacles in school or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The story shows characters developing caring relationships with animals, teaching empathy and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be kind and responsible towards pets and other animals they interact with.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, accomplishing tasks at the stables requires collaboration between characters, emphasizing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, understanding that cooperation can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Overcoming prejudices
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to overcome initial judgments and misconceptions about each other, leading to stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach their peers with an open mind, promoting inclusivity and understanding in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Pursuit of passion
Explanation: The main character’s dedication to their equestrian interests inspires diligence and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and persist in their own areas of interest, whether academic, artistic, or athletic, fostering personal growth and satisfaction.