Author James Lynn Durham shares the story about the many adventures, good and bad, he had with his first pony in “Fireball Summer.” Durham was eight years old when he broke in Fireball, a spitfire cowpony who became a close friend. Their summers of cow chasing, fox hunting, riding fence and fishing were big experiences for a young boy.

Durham’s themes of financial hardship, making sacrifices and working hard for what you want are laced throughout his storyline, which he describes as “basically true.” The author lives in Mocksville and is an EnergyUnited member. Hardcover, 87 pages, $9.95. 703-437-3584 or mascotbooks.com