Spirit of Summerwood by Vivien Gorham is a standalone middle-grade novel (ages 8–12) set at an all-girls horse camp steeped in mystery and magic. During her two-week summer at Summerwood Farm, twelve-year-old Aislinn reconnects with her favorite Arabian, Firefly, and faces unexpected challenges:
- A new boy at camp and her mentor’s tension unsettle her usual routine.
- Rumors emerge that the camp’s land might be sold.
- Aislinn begins seeing visions—a fox, an owl, and a ghostly boy—magical elements that start affecting her riding and friendships.
When she sneaks out one night to meet the ghost boy and learn his story, Aislinn uncovers layers of local Indigenous history tied to the land, including its past as a poor farm. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery as she learns the consequences of her actions, grows as an ally and friend, and balances her magical experiences with real-world responsibilities.
Praised as a coming-of-age story with elements of magical realism and authentic equestrian themes, Spirit of Summerwood also won the 2023 Winnie Literary Award for YA fiction at the Equus Film & Arts Festival.
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