Samphire is a part-Arabian grey stallion and teenager Jodie falls in love as soon as she sees him. Buying him in an auction in New Forest, England, seems like her dreams coming true, but then her priorities have to change.

Jodie's father, a pilot in the RAF, is killed in an accident, and her younger brother Ed has come down with a kidney disease requiring dialysis. Their mother writes a gardening column and is doing a great job supporting the close-knit little family. Jodie and Ed tease each other but are best friends. Ed, a model plane enthusiast, is promised a large radio-controlled plane and Jodie gets her own horse. Up to now she has volunteered in a riding stable in exchange for rides, so she is well aware of the work and dirt associated with keeping horses. Samphire needs much more careful handing however and is not broken, so some weeks pass before she is able to ride properly.

Ed becomes seriously ill and is rushed to hospital in London, where his kidney problems are assessed, and now he requires a transplant. As he has an unusual tissue type his family are not suitable as donors. His mother loses her gardening column so her income drops, and suddenly Jodie sees that changes will have to be made. But how can she bear to sell Samphire, and wave goodbye to her dreams of becoming a top sportswoman?

This well-written coming of age story shows the different facets of growing up - the singlemindedness required to reach goals, the teamwork required to support a family, the selflessness thrust upon a young person when they least want it. As a horsewoman I can say that SAMPHIRE SONG is very attentive to detail and thrillingly described. Jill Hucklesby is English and the book is set in England, so I am puzzled as to why the currency has been changed from pounds to dollars. Young adults do understand that not every country uses dollars. I recommend this book as a great read.