• Age: 10 to 14

After the fire that destroyed the family’s barn, Nat’s mother sells the house to keep Smokey, the pony that has changed their lives, at a nearby stable. Nat is thrilled, but the apartment that is their new home has brought change. His older sister, Cid, is hanging out with tough new kids. His younger sister, Queenie, is caught up in learning English riding at Smokey’s stable. And Nat still feels the sting of his father’s abandonment five years earlier. Then, Nat’s mother falls sick. With the family in danger of being separated by the social services agency, Nat takes matters into his own hands. Convinced that his father will make things right, Nat sets out on a journey, with the help of Smokey, to bring his dad home.

Natale Ghent is an award-winning journalist and the author of No Small Thing, also published in the US and the UK, and The Book Of Living And Dying, a novel for young adult readers. No Small Thing has been critically acclaimed in Canada and internationally. Nominated for four Canadian children’s choice awards, including the CLA Book of the Year for Children award and the Silver Birch award (Honour Book), No Small Thing was also chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection in the US and a Borders Original Voice. Born in Brookfield, Illinois, Natale Ghent moved to Canada as a small child. She lives with her family in Toronto.

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All the Way Home

All the Way Home, Natale Ghent’s sequel to No Small Thing, continues the adventures of Nat, his family and Smokey, their treasured pony. The story begins with Nat, Cid, Queenie and his mom preparing to move into a small apartment after having sold their house in order to have enough money to keep Smokey. Although Nat is not thrilled about moving into an apartment, his negative feelings are quickly replaced by the fact that the family is able to keep their pony.

As they are packing their belongings, Nat discovers his father’s old army rifle in the basement. All his buried feelings about his father – knowing he won’t be coming back – only enhance the pain of the impending change. In fact, the move to the new apartment creates many changes for the family both positive and negative. Nat’s older sister Cid begins smoking and hanging out with the tough kids. Smokey’s new stable is wonderful and Queenie, Nat’s little sister, has found a riding mentor. They are able to adjust to their new life until Nat’s mother becomes very ill and is hospitalized. When Children’s Aid pays a visit, Nat decides to take matters into his own hands. Nat sets out on a journey, with Smokey’s help, to find his father.

Once again, Natale Ghent has written a novel that will capture the readers’ attention and enable them to feel Nat’s struggles and fears. The story also provides many opportunities for discussion about various social issues and the pressures that are faced by young adults as they mature. All the Way Home is sure to leave the reader wanting more.

All the Way Home

After the award-winning No Small Thing, life is different when Nat’s family moves into an apartment. He knows his dad won’t be back, but now Ma is sick, and Nat has to take charge.