The Gray

By Chris Baron

A boy battles anxiety and mystery in the countryside when a friend vanishes.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 367 ratings

304 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Sasha's anxiety, the Gray, shadows him as he spends a reluctant summer in the country. Away from his comforts, he finds an unexpected bond with a horse named Gray. When a new friend disappears, Sasha must confront his fears and the wild unknown. Can he overcome his inner Gray to help in the search, or will it hold him back? The stakes are high as Sasha navigates friendship, loss, and courage in a place full of secrets.

From the publisher

The Gray is a sensitively told middle grade story from Chris Baron about living with anxiety and finding ways to cope.It’s been a tough year for Sasha–he’s been bullied at his middle school and his anxiety, which he calls the Gray, is growing. Sasha’s dad tells him to “toughen up”–and he does, but with unfortunate, hurtful results. His parents and therapist agree that a summer in the country with his aunt might be the best medicine, but it’s the last place he wants to be. He’ll be away from his best friend, video games, and stuck in the house that reminds him of his beloved uncle who died two years earlier. His aunt is supportive, and there are lots of places to explore, and even some potential new friends. When Sasha is introduced at a local ranch to a horse coincidentally–incredibly–nicknamed the Gray, he feels he’s found a kindred spirit. But his own Gray is ever-present. When one of his new friends disappears, Sasha discovers that the country is wilder and more mysterious than he imagined. He tries to muster enough courage to help in the search . . . but will the Gray hold him back?

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