First published 1937
Jody Tiflin wants to rebel against his father, but he also craves his love and approval. When his father gives him a red pony, Jody feels proud and excited about caring for the animal. The pony represents his first step toward growing up and taking on real responsibilities. His father later promises him the colt of a bay mare, another gift that fills Jody with anticipation. But these presents don't bring only happiness. Both the pony and the promised colt lead to heartbreak and disappointment. Through these experiences, Jody discovers that the adults he looks up to make mistakes and cannot always protect him from pain. He learns that life includes death, that responsibility comes with consequences, and that growing up means accepting both joy and sorrow.
Genres: fiction, family-life, american-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Period: 20th-Century
96 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books Ltd