Spirit of Summerwood

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Pub Date 10 May 2022 | Archive Date 31 May 2022

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Description

It’s finally summer, and for twelve-year-old Aislinn, that means two sweet, uninterrupted weeks at her favourite place in the world—Summerwood Farm. At Summerwood’s all-girl horse camp, Aislinn is surrounded by all the things she loves most: her Arabian, Firefly; her best friend, Jill; and her mentor, Grace.
But this year, things are different from day one.
There’s a boy at camp, Grace seems tense, and rumours swirl about the stable’s land being sold. Not to mention, Aislinn keeps seeing things no one else can—a fox, an owl, and even a ghostly boy who seems to need her help—and her visions are starting to affect her riding and her friendships. So one starry night, Aislinn sneaks out to meet the ghost boy and hear his story. She also learns about the Indigenous history of the land around Summerwood, and what life was like for residents of a former Poor Farm that was in the same area. But, as Aislinn soon finds out, all actions have consequences and she faces serious punishment for breaking Summerwood’s rules.
With stumbles and false starts, we follow Aislinn as she strives to become an environmental activist, an Indigenous ally, and a better friend. We see her make mistakes, learn, grow, and change. A true coming-of-age story with elements of magical realism and authentic equestrian themes, Spirit of Summerwood is destined to become a summertime favourite.

It’s finally summer, and for twelve-year-old Aislinn, that means two sweet, uninterrupted weeks at her favourite place in the world—Summerwood Farm. At Summerwood’s all-girl horse camp, Aislinn is...


Advance Praise

Praise for A Touch of Gold by Vivien Gorham:

“A heartwarming story of a girl and a horse, with enough horsey detail and small dramas to satisfy horse-loving readers. Jamie is a shy, insecure heroine who finds courage and determination through her passion for horses and riding. Her attempts to make friends with humans are not as successful as her overtures to horses, but she perseveres and by the end of the book she forms some strong attachments and gains a sense of belonging.”
–Atlantic Books Today

Praise for A Touch of Gold by Vivien Gorham:

“A heartwarming story of a girl and a horse, with enough horsey detail and small dramas to satisfy horse-loving readers. Jamie is a shy, insecure heroine...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781774710654
PRICE CA$14.95 (CAD)

Average rating from 2 members


Featured Reviews

3.5. stars rounded up. Overall, I enjoyed this middle grade novel set in Nova Scotia that incorporates horseback riding, friendship, history, and Mi'kmaq legend. Twelve-year-old Aislinn expects to have the best summer ever at Summerwood camp with her friend Jill and her favourite horse Firefly. But it's not long before things aren't going as planned. Jill is distracted by a boy and Aislinn's competitiveness annoys her fellow campers. But things get even worse when Aislinn starts seeing things no one else does and she learns that Summmerwood is to be sold to a developer.
There is a lot going on in this book, but the portrayal of the the kids and their interactions was what I liked best. I also enjoyed the spiritual elements, and how they were treated as real. The developer storyline was the weakest aspect and the resolution pretty unbelievable. For the most part, the incorporation of indigenous characters and lore appeared to be done with some sensitivity; I just wish the most engaging storyline didn't also have a whiff as white saviourism. Thanks to Netgalley and Nimbus Publishing for the advanced copy

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