For middle-grade and young adult readers, ‘Coal Dust and Dreams’ is one of the most memorable books I have read this year. This historical fiction novel explores coal mining in Wales during the 1930s, focusing on the horses that worked in the mines, known as "Pit Ponies," who carried out the heavy labor. The story is rich in detail and emotion, and I learned a lot about this period in history, including the impact of WW2 on this industry and the people who worked in the mines. At the end of the book, the author shares her research, which adds depth to the narrative. After finishing it, I felt that the author should consider adapting this story into a screenplay because it is as impactful as classics like ‘My Friend Flicka’, ‘Black Beauty’, and Secretariat’. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in horses, history, and an unforgettable story.