Lizzie Flying Solo by Nanci Turner Steveson is a poignant middle-grade novel (ages 8–12) that follows 12-year-old Lizzie St. Claire as her life is upended when her father is arrested for embezzlement. Forced to move into a transitional shelter with her mother, Lizzie withdraws and focuses only on survival .
Over the summer, she finds solace at Birchwood Stables, drawn to a frightened pony named Fire. Lizzie begins working at the barn in exchange for riding lessons, tentatively reconnecting with the world—through barn chores, friendships, and poetry.
As Lizzie bonds with Fire and a new circle of friends, she learns that healing isn’t about the horse—it’s about her own strength. Through community and courage, Lizzie discovers that flying solo doesn’t have to mean being alone.
Praised as a Kirkus Best Book of 2019, this lyrical novel addresses themes of homelessness, trauma, and resilience with compassion and grace.
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