Bea and the New Deal Horse

Abandoned during the Great Depression, Bea must tame a wild horse to save a farm and find a home.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 516 ratings

384 pages

$9.99Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

In the throes of the Great Depression, young Bea is left with her sister in a hayloft, clutching a note from their father. Facing a stern Mrs. Scott and a struggling Virginia farm, Bea's only hope lies in a troubled chestnut horse. If she can tame the jumper, they might save the farm and secure a place in Mrs. Scott's heart. Can Bea turn fear into friendship and find a family amidst the chaos?

From the publisher

This lyrical middle grade historical novel set during the Great Depression from award-winning author L. M. Elliott is a moving tale of the spirit of American persistence, found family, and the magical partnership between girl and horse. Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction!Bea wakes to Daddy’s note in a hayloft, where he abandoned her with her little sister after the stock market crash took everything: Daddy’s job at the bank, their home, Mama’s health and life.How is Bea supposed to convince the imposing Mrs. Scott to take in two stray children? Mrs. Scott’s money and Virginia farm are drying up in a drought and the Great Depression, too. She might have to sell her beautiful horses, starting with a dangerous chestnut that has caused tragedy in the past and injures her stableman shortly after Bea arrives.But wrestling with her own hurts and fears, Bea understands the chestnut’s skittish distrust. She sees hope in the powerful jumper–if he can compete at horse shows, they might save the farm, and maybe Bea can even win a place in Mrs. Scott’s heart.

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