Evan goes on a school trip to a disused mine and is upset by the dark and being underground. He's embarrassed at being shown up in front of the class and his reaction leads to bullying by Kai, the teacher's son. 

The experience neverthless sparks an idea for Evan. When the class are asked to take on a school project, he decides to investigate the pit ponies and what happened to them when the mine closed. 

Evan finds out that his grandfather worked in the mine and knew the last pit ponies. But his grandpa has memory problems and seems to get distressed at discussing his past life. And things at home aren't great for Evan generally - his dad and brother live in London while his mum's boyfriend, Nick, has brought his daughter Melly to stay with them, because Melly's mum is in hospital with mental health issues. Evan feels pushed out and unwanted. Melly also has a cat which fights with Evan's dog Okie. 

There's a lot going on here, and it's primarily a story about coming to terms with life as a blended family, and the importance of communicating properly. There is a very touching conclusion where grandpa's relationship to the pit ponies, and one pony in particular, is revealed but I would have liked the ponies to have featured a little more!

It was a warm, authentic and compelling read, which I very much enjoyed.

I didn't realise until I'd finished the book that I'd read another story by this author, and also very much enjoyed it. Read my review of 'My Dog' here.