Wild Horse Summer
What’s inside...
Alison spends her thirteenth summer on a ranch in Wyoming where she learns to ride a horse and where Kelly, her cousin, who is blind, helps her overcome an old fear.
Age
9-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What were some of the challenges the wild horses faced in the story?
How did the characters' feelings about horses change throughout the book?
Why do you think the author chose wild horses as the main subject?
How can we help protect animals in their natural habitats?
What did you learn about friendship and freedom from 'Wild Horse Summer'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the story to create a comfortable and open dialogue.
Encourage your child to think about the characters' perspectives and the decisions they made, by asking what they would do in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and what steps can be taken at home to support these efforts.
Relate the themes of friendship in the book to your child's personal experiences with their own friends.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to visualize and discuss the setting, helping to deepen the understanding of the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Animals
Explanation: The protagonist's interaction with and care for the wild horses showcases empathy towards animals, teaching children to understand and respect animal emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat pets and wildlife with kindness and consideration, observing their behaviors and needs.
Example Lesson: Value of Patience
Explanation: Caring for wild horses requires patience, as shown through the slow process of gaining the animals' trust in the book.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being patient with others, whether it's with friends, family, or pets.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: The book highlights the need to preserve natural habitats for wild horses, teaching children about environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in local conservation efforts and learn more about the impact of human activities on wildlife.
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: The protagonist's challenges in protecting the horses demonstrate courage and the importance of determination in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery and to persist in reaching their goals, regardless of difficulties.
Example Lesson: Building Trust
Explanation: Through the interactions between the protagonist and the wild horses, the story demonstrates how trust is built over time with consistent and gentle actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their interactions, learning that trust with peers and adults grows through reliability and kindness.