This lyrical middle grade historical novel set during the Great Depression from award-winning author L. M. Elliott is a moving tale of the spirit of American persistence,found familyand the magical partnership between girl and horse. Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction! Bea wakes to Daddy’s note in a hayloftwhere he abandoned her with her little sister after the stock market crash took everything: Daddy’s job at the banktheir homeMama’s health and life. How is Bea supposed to convince the imposing Mrs. Scott to take in two stray children? Mrs. Scott’s money and Virginia farm are drying up in a drought and the Great Depressiontoo. She might have to sell her beautiful horsesstarting with a dangerous chestnut that has caused tragedy in the past and injures her stableman shortly after Bea arrives. But wrestling with her own hurts and fearsBea understands the chestnut’s skittish distrust. She sees hope in the powerful jumper–if he can compete at horse showsthey might save the farmand maybe Bea can even win a place in Mrs. Scott’s heart.