Age Level:  3-4 grade

Available in paperback

Matthew and his family live on a small farm with a few cows and two horses, Ben and Dolly.  One night there is a terrible thunderstorm and the barn is struck by lightening and burns down.  The animals are saved but in order to have enough money to feed them, it is necessary to sell Dolly.  Matthew is very upset by this but follows his father's example and trusts God to do what He wills.  One day at school Matthew hears about a horse pull at the fail with a prize of fifty dollars and asks about entering his father's horses.  There is a two dollar entrance fee and Matthew works every day before and after school without telling his father and ears the money to enter.  They enter the horses and win because the horses worked together so well.

This book is written on a level that is easy enough for slower readers and also could be read alound in a Christian classroom.  the reason that this would not be the best choice for a public school is that there is a clear reliance on God and his promises that infiltrates the story.  Other than that theme, the reader leaves with a better understanding of working together and of family ties.  The main character of this book is a little boy and therefore may appeal more to young boys but all children can connect with the perspective of the book and the actions and thoughts of the boy.

Available from Barnes and Noble