Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2026
When Birdie is sent to live with her great-aunt in 1950s Yorkshire, she befriends the village's last remaining pit pony. A story of hope and courage, exploring themes of family, racism and identity.
Winner of the Young Quills Award and the Diverse Book Awards.
Birdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children's home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt in the Yorkshire Dales. From her arrival, Birdie is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return...
Cover art by Keith Robinson
Mesmerically gripping and profoundly moving, this 10+story of adaptation, love and courage is impossible to forget. - Guardian
A future classic. A powerful novel about love, identity and finding your power in a world where everyone is against you... powerfully resonant today. A real triumph - Book of the Month, The Bookseller
Moving… Birdie is an endearing heroine in this tender story set against a backdrop of social change - Daily Mail
A tender and touching story for animal lovers everywhere - Hannah Gold
A captivating story of the profound and powerful magic of animals – and how they can help us find our way in the world. I loved it - A. F. Steadman
