First published 1975
The tornado has passed, leaving destruction in its wake. A young boy emerges to find himself completely alone except for two horses. One horse lies dying from its injuries. The other horse has been badly hurt but might survive. The boy must figure out what to do next in this empty landscape. He faces impossible choices about the animals and his own survival. The dying horse needs him, but he cannot save it. The injured horse depends on him for care he may not know how to give. With no adults around to help or guide him, the boy confronts the weight of life and death decisions. His world has been reduced to just himself and these two suffering animals. The story follows his struggle to do right by the horses while grappling with his own fear and isolation. DeJong explores how a child responds when thrust into adult responsibilities during crisis.
Genres: fiction, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, grief
128 pages · Paperback · Collier Macmillan
Content warnings: animal-death