The Week of the Horse
What’s inside...
Tomboy Paulie is the quintessential middle child in a family just managing to make ends meet, which is the reason they can’t afford to buy a horse for her or even pay for riding lessons. So Paulie gamely volunteers at a local stable and in return gets to ride her favorite horse, Duke. But one day when Paulie goes to the stable after school, she finds that it is to be closed down and all the horses sent elsewhere or sold. Duke is slated to be sold — but not to another owner; he is to be sold at auction, probably to a butcher. Paulie has a week to try to save Duke. This is the story of how she tries to rescue Duke without her family's knowing. She comes surprisingly close to pulling it off when her family discovers her secret. Will Duke go to the butcher after all? Jocelyn Reekie tells Paulie’s story realistically and unsentimentally, illustrating the girl's spirit and independence as she struggles to do what she knows is right.
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the week with the horse special for the characters?
How did the characters' feelings about the horse change throughout the story?
What would you do if you had a week to spend with a horse?
How do you think the horse felt about spending a week with the characters?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the characters did? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the emotions depicted in the story, asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of empathy by exploring how the horse might have felt during its interactions.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Use the story as a segue to talk about responsibility and caring for animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'The Week of the Horse,' the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others, especially when interacting with the horse.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by considering their friends’ feelings before acting, which fosters better relationships and understanding.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of caring for another living creature, demonstrating the daily tasks and attention a horse requires.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to everyday life as children learn to take care of their belongings, pets, or help with household chores responsibly.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges in handling the horse and overcoming fears, which teaches children the value of persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can adopt perseverance in their academic and personal life by not giving up easily, whether on homework or when learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist shows courage when approaching and learning to ride the horse despite initial fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and try new activities, which is essential for personal growth and overcoming anxieties.