The family has little money since their father left, but Nathaniel and his sisters are determined to keep the beautiful white pony that was given away to anyone who can offer him a “good home” (1). In this warm family story set in Ontario in 1977, Nat, who uses his paper-route money to hire a stall in a broken-down barn, tells about the joys and difficulties of owning Smokey as he and his sisters struggle with poverty. When a fire threatens Smokey’s life, Nat knows he must sell him, but after one last desperate ride, there is hope after all. hc

Originally published by HarperCollins Canada, in 2003.