Silas Bird and his father live quietly together in the wild west of America. Silas lost his mother as a baby and he's a little different from other children, so he and his father keep themselves to themselves.

But one day men arrive determined to take Martin Bird away with them. He's a bootmaker and an inventor and, in a case of mistaken identify, they think he has the skills to help them in their counterfeiting business. Silas is left to fend for himself with his sole companion Mittenwool - a ghost.

Then a pony appears - with a shining black coat, white head and piercing, pale blue eyes. Even though Silas was told to stay put, he thinks this mysterious pony is a sign for him to search for his father and get him help. And so begins the adventure for Silas, Mittenwool and Pony.

This is a startling story. It delivers on so many levels! There's the wild west journey with all the threats of dangerous terrain and menacing characters. There are the ghostly figures seen only by Silas, who direct him on his quest. There's the sorrow and isolation of a boy reaching adolescence without parental care and support. And there is an awakening of resilience, courage and compassion as Silas learns to live with grief and loss. 

The characters are incredible, the atmosphere stunning and the story is moving, original and uplifting. It's aimed at readers aged 11 upwards, and I thought it was great!