The Truth About Horses, Friends & My Life as a Coward
What’s inside...
So you think you love horses? That's what Sophie Groves thought too. But she found out that horses are a heap of trouble. Her trials began at five years old when her mom brought home Really (a.k.a. Really Mean), the nastiest pony in Maine. Two horses later, Sophie is still learning to deal with these crafty creatures, while trying to find friends who will like her for who she is-not for her horses. Filled with hilarious horse capers and the real truth about life as a weenie, this laugh-out-loud story shows why a horse isn't always a girl's best friend.
Age
9-13
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel like a coward, and have you ever felt similar?
How do the horses in the story help the characters learn more about themselves?
What does friendship mean in this book, and how does it compare to what you think friendship is?
Why is it important to face our fears, and what are some ways to do that?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to themes in the book like overcoming fears or forming friendships. This fosters a safe space for open communication. Ask your child how they felt about the character’s decisions and guide them to relate these situations to their own life. Use pauses after questions to give your child time to think and express themselves freely, enhancing their analytical and empathetic skills. Conclude your discussions by jointly summarizing what you both learned from the book and how it can be applied to real-life scenarios, reinforcing the connection between reading and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Sophie, encounters numerous situations where she must confront her fears, particularly about horses and friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their anxieties or fears, understanding that it's a part of growth and learning resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sophie learns the importance of being truthful in her interactions, which helps in developing stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be honest in their daily interactions, helping them build trust and integrity in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: As Sophie interacts with others, she discovers the essential role of friendship and teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Promotes the idea of seeking and nurturing friendships, illustrating how cooperation and empathy can lead to overcoming common challenges.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Sophie's experiences throughout the book lead her to learn more about herself and her capabilities, which is a significant theme.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage in self-reflection and embrace personal development through their own life experiences.
Example Lesson: Overcoming misconceptions
Explanation: The book addresses various misconceptions about horses, which parallel misconceptions in real life, showing Sophie’s growth in understanding.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of challenging their own misconceptions and being open to learning new perspectives.