Hachette Australia
Imprint: Lothian Children’s books
May 28, 2025 | 9780734423603 | RRP $19.99
Yes, I agree with you 100%. I have always said I’m not a fan of verse novels – but now, it seems I am. The slew of high standard verse novels over the past year especially has completely changed my thinking on this genre, I have to say.
And now, along comes newcomer, Robbie Coburn, with this absolutely breathtaking YA example, which will move you and your readers, of that I am sure.
Sam is drowning in despair and depression as his parents rage against each other, the one blaming the other for the death of Sam’s older brother. They appear to have forgotten completely that their younger son is also overwhelmed with grief. He has no one, not even a real friend, on whom he can depend.
On the property next door, Julia tries to minimise herself and stay clear of her father’s drunken rages. Her mother left because of the violence, now Julia is continually on high-alert, and also has no one to lean on.
Neither of these two young people, alone and unsupported, know each other very well despite being ‘neighbours’. That changes when, escaping as usual from the conflict in his house, Sam is hailed from the boundary fence by an agitated Julia.
A young foal is entangled in the barbed wire fence. It’s not from either property and there is no clue as to where it has come from or should be, but it is badly in need of care. Together, this pair work together to disengage the animal, move it to safety and give it immediate first aid. Both know they have to keep this secret from the parents who would as soon shoot the animal as lift a finger to help it.
As Sam and Julia come together to help the foal heal and recover to full wellness, they also come together emotionally, with each gradually opening up about their own situation, and building an heartfelt connection that will last well beyond the foal’s recovery. I see this as a metaphor of the foal healing, bit by bit, from their actions and in doing so, they each help the other, bit by bit, finding hope and healing for themselves.
It is powerful and confronting at times, but it has such hope, tenderness and positivity as well. I don’t want to give anything away about the relationship that Sam and Julia forge, nor the solution for each as far as family goes [I hate spoilers!] but I think that any reader, whether YA or adult, will be in favour ot the resolution.
If you are looking to introduce verse novels to your older readers, this would certainly provide an outstanding entrée to the genre. Additionally, I can’t ignore that absolutely fabulous cover art – arguably the best I’ve seen this year so well done to Tannya Harricks for that!
There are considerations for your specific situation and in my libraries, there would be a disclaimer label in the front to warn of potential triggers, and to suggest debriefing strategies but in general, this is a wholly beautiful exploration of the emotional turmoil many young people deal with in their lives. For that alone, it’s a definite must-have for your collection. No question, it’s a 5 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎rating from me.
Just So Stories 
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