Ride North

Tooth is my pony, but he’s his own boss. I take care of him and in exchange he lets me ride him. I wasn’t surprised when Tooth first communicated with me. All I knew was that with Tooth, it was different. I loved him the minute I saw him. Of course we understood each other.Twelve-year-old Folly is angry and grieving for her mum. She isn't ready for Dad's plans for a new life in Auckland with his new girlfriend. So Folly runs away with the one friend who truly understands: her wise pony, Tooth. With her mother's ashes in her backpack, Folly sets off to the fabled Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Through tourist towns and wilderness, across beaches, roads and forest tracks, Folly and Tooth find both adventure and hardship. But then a spur-of-the-moment choice sets danger on their tail. Girl and horse must fight to survive together – to the very end of the road.Cover art by Sian James

"I loved this: funny, quirky, exciting and moving. Folly and Tooth are a great double-act. If you’re a horse person you’ll adore it; if you’re not a horse person, it’ll turn you into one" -- Anthony McGowan
"A poignant and tender story of love, loss, friendship and hope. Tooth is quite possibly the most engaging 'talking pony' I've ever encountered in fiction. The ending was perfect – made me laugh and cry simultaneously" -- Tanya Landman
"A powerful, wise and gripping story from a wonderful new voice in children’s literature. Ride North is a beautiful tale of love, courage and the unique bond between a girl and her horse. It deserves a place alongside the classic horse and pony stories" -- Annelise Gray
"Maria de Jong’s gorgeously lyrical debut is wry, funny and at times heart-achingly sad. Folly is an engaging young hero: gnarly and determined to ride north with beloved horse Tooth to Cape Reinga, where Tasman Sea meets Pacific Ocean. Their unique bond allows them to outwit pursuers and overcome obstacles on a vividly painted journey through the beautiful New Zealand landscape" -- Gita Ralleigh
"Maria de Jong weaves a beautiful tale of adventure, survival and hope, exploring the deep bond between a girl and her pony. With vivid prose that brings every scene to life, de Jong makes the reader feel they’re right there alongside Folly and Tooth on their exhilarating, sometimes perilous journey. Through evocative descriptions and compelling narrative, balancing humour, sadness, and wonder, de Jong’s skilful storytelling creates a rich, unforgettable experience that celebrates the unbreakable connection between human and animal. This masterful blend of adventure and emotion left me thinking about the book long after the final page" -- J. P. Rose

Maria de Jong grew up in Aotearoa/New Zealand before settling in Italy. Initially she taught English in Turin, where she also cultivated a sideline designing and making costumes for a dance-theatre company. She was living and studying literature in Frankfurt when East and West Germany reunified, and later relocated for a few years to teach near Bosa, Sardinia. Her two children were born in Rome; while working there as a translator she began writing for middle grade readers, but things only got serious after yet another relocation, this time to Amsterdam, where she currently copyedits, cycles and fabulates for her inner twelve-year-old.

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