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Historical Middle Grade fiction ages 12+ A moving story of determination and courage in the face of hardship and of reconciliation between an estranged father and son. "I'll be famous. You'll see." The year is 1946, and in rural New Zealand fourteen-year-old Sid Everett dreams of glory on the racetrack. But why is his father determinedly blocking his every move? Sid's dad is back from WWII, but it's not the kind of homecoming the family had hoped for. Dad's return brings fear, not comfort, and for some reason he thwarts Sid's every attempt to become a jockey. Time is running out for a boy who is almost old enough to leave school and start work, and in post-WWII New Zealand there's not a lot of choice. With an older sister who has already sacrificed her own dream, Sid can't resist the temptation to go all out. Deceiving his parents, Sid jeopardizes the very dream he longs for, placing himself and a valuable horse (which he doesn't own) in great danger. A midnight disaster on the beach seems to have destroyed all hope. But can it create an opportunity for honesty, and a chance for new beginnings? Knowing that more than a horse's welfare hangs in the balance, Sid's dad must open up and let his son know the truth behind his anti-racing stance, and Sid must make a hard choice for the good of his family. Can Sid prove himself to be a winner? Sid Everett embarks on a life-changing struggle, which will change more lives than just his own. Holding The Horse is a story of dreams, determination, and ultimately sacrifice. J L Williams evokes the 1940s with accuracy and sensitivity. A fast paced and heart-warming story of courage, conflict and reconciliation which will long remain in the heart and mind. Praise for Holding The Horse: A gripping story that will have you cheering for Sid all the way. A racing good book for anyone who loves horses, history or characters with grit and determination. Philippa Werry, award winning author There is nothing clichéd here. This story is full of emotion. An important story about PTSD, dreams and ambitions, and making do. All this resonates with the modern-day world we are now entering. Janice Marriott, award winning author and mentor The history is accurate, the plot and the characters are interwoven to portray the social issues of the time, and the decisions, regrets, and triumphs that Sid goes through reflect real life. The book is a gripping read with good characterisation, action and conflict, and the language is a pleasure to read. Diana Menefy, award winning author Set in rural New Zealand in 1946 this story is both engaging and engrossing. Sid's father, not long home from the war, is struggling to cope with a return to a life that now offers few opportunities: his own shadowed past sets him against his son's ambition of becoming a famous jockey. Without knowing the reasons for his father's opposition, Sid does all he can to realise his dream, even to the extent of putting everything he hopes for in jeopardy. The story's momentum is carried swiftly along by pacy dialogue; persuasive family dynamics, including issues concerning a small deaf sibling; a dash of happy coincidence, as well as a low-key romance between Sid and the daughter of a local horse owner. The historical background of returned soldiers suffering PTSD, as well as feeling generally abandoned by officialdom, is convincing. With a neatly constructed, satisfying plot this exciting story is also a warm-hearted tale that should have wide appeal. Bill Nagelkerke, Award winning children's author, translator and former children's librarian