• Age: 5 to 10
• Grade: 3 to 5
• Reading age: 8 to 10

If Willie could have his dream, he would go to Sable Island and ride free over the sand dunes on the back of a wild horse. Instead, 11-year-old Willie must work in the coal mines of Cape Breton, hardly ever seeing the light of day. But with the help of Gem, the gentle pit pony, he discovers that things aren't always as bad as they seem. And a surprising event reveals that miracles can happen, even in a coal mine.

JOYCE BARKHOUSE is the author of many short stories and books for children, including Anna's Pet (written with Margaret Atwood), which was made into a puppet play and toured internationally, and The Witch of Port Lajoie, which has been translated in four languages. She received the Order of Nova Scotia and was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her children's books and work in literacy.

Joyce Barkhouse's profile page

ZOE LUCAS is one of the few permanent residents on Sable Island and isinvolved in research and environmental monitoring programs, includingstudying its wild horses and sea birds.

Zoe Lucas' profile page

• Short-listed, Finalist - Hackmatack Childrens Choice Book Award
• Commended, One of the Year's Best for 2011 - Resource Links
• Winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre

"...a vivid portrait of life in a Cape Breton company town at the turn of the century...This re-issue of a Canadian classic still has great appeal for the intended audience."

Resource Links

Pit Pony