Take heart, this book isn't all doom and gloom. Sam soon finds solace when he finds he can help a wounded foal that is entangled in barbed wire in the paddocks on their farm. It is a caring and carefully told verse novel showing there are ways to deal with adversity while caring for others that bring their own rewards to self.

There is also the special story of Sam connecting with a girl from a neighbouring property called Julia. She is rather troubled, but through caring for the foal something else happens with them. As there friendship develops Julia has thoughts, perspectives on why Sam's dad behaves in the way he does and why it's troubling him so. He also finds her kindness to the both himself and the foal comforting, giving hope. This verse novels is particularly poignant and enjoyable reading, fitting for the 14-18 year old age group.

The author

Robbie Coburn is a contemporary Australian poet. His poems have been published widely in magazines and anthologies and his books include Ghost Poetry (2024), And I Could Not Have Hurt You (2023) and The Other Flesh (2019). He has been featured at The Wheeler Centre and La Mama Poetica, appeared as a guest at literary festivals including the Sydney Writers' Festival, Canberra Writers Festival, Newcastle Writers Festival and Perth Poetry Festival, and run poetry workshops for youth mental health organisation Headspace.