This slim verse novel, with the most exquisite painting by Christa Moffitt of a foal on its cover, certainly packs a punch. It’s the story of Sam and Julia, who have lived next to one another on neighbouring farms for many years, both surviving in unhappy families. They have never really connected before, but when Julia finds a foal caught in barbed wire, she calls out to Sam, and thus begins their connection over caring for the foal and, soon enough, one another.

In sparse, unflinching poems, secrets are carefully revealed: the bullying Sam is experiencing at school; his parents’ unhappy relationship; and Julia’s drunk, abusive father, who takes out his frustrations on Julia now that her mother has left. As the foal slowly improves with their focused love and attention, Sam and Julia must confront their own bullies if they are to survive.

The author is a young Australian poet who writes about horses and the Australian landscape with intimate knowledge. He also describes terribly wounded people with the utmost empathy. The Foal in the Wire doesn’t take long to read, but its characters will remain with you for a long time. This powerful story will appeal to reluctant readers and those who like realistic stories aged 13+.