Farm Boy, by Michael Morpurgo

Farm Boy is the sequel to War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo. The story is narrated by the great-grandson of Albert, the owner of Joey. He goes to stay with his grandfather, who is Albert's son, on the old family farm. While there, he hears the story of Albert and Joey's war years and also learns a secret that his grandfather has hidden for years--he is unable to read or write. He begins to teach his grandfather, who promises to pay him well for the lessons. But the young man earns something far richer--as he hears the stories of life on the farm, he decides that this might be the life for him too.

This is a tender and nostalgic look at a bygone era of English rural life. A great quick read, especially for younger teens.