Ashleigh's Promise (Ashleigh #11)
#11 in Thoroughbred: Ashleigh Series
on Goodreads (85)
What’s inside...
Ashleigh Griffen lives on her family's farm in Kentucky, where she loves helping with the horses and dreams of becoming a jockey. When Ashleigh buys a neglected racehorse named Majestic Promise, her parents are furious due to the horse's poor condition and distrust of humans. With the help of her mysterious new neighbor, a teenage boy with a talent for understanding horses, Ashleigh aims to gain Promise's trust and restore his health in order to find him a loving home.
Discussion points
What did you think about Ashleigh's decision in the story? Would you have done the same?
How did Ashleigh's promise impact her relationships with others?
What are some qualities in Ashleigh that you admire, and why?
If you were in Ashleigh's place, how would you handle the challenges she faced?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that make your child explain their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Discuss the choices Ashleigh makes in the book and ask your child what they would do differently.
Encourage your child to make connections between the characters’ experiences and their own life.
Focus on themes like friendship, responsibility, and perseverance that are universal and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Ashleigh's Promise', Ashleigh takes on the responsibility of caring for a new foal, demonstrating her commitment and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible, whether it’s in completing homework, caring for a pet, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ashleigh faces challenges but never gives up, showing that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying and not be disheartened by setbacks in school or in their personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story highlights Ashleigh’s ability to understand and share the feelings of the foal, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing and respecting the feelings of their friends and family members, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Ashleigh encounters various problems she needs to solve, like ensuring the foal is healthy, which she addresses with thoughtfulness and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills in tasks or conflicts at school, learning to think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Cooperation with others in the community plays a significant role in the story, as Ashleigh works together with friends and experts to care for the foal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working collaboratively to achieve common goals, useful in group projects and sports.