An Oxfordshire writer is marking the release of her first book after years of determination.

S.J. Poyton, who attended Northbourne and Manor primary schools, Didcot Girls School, Didcot Sixth Form, and Banbury and Bicester College, introduced her middle-grade novel Mammoth Rider in March.

The publication came after 19 years of Poyton’s commitment to writing multiple manuscripts and pursuing publication.

The narrative takes place in an alternative present-day world where scientists have resurrected mammoths to address climate change.

The main character, Ash Grimes, spends her childhood at the Arctic research facility that brought the species back to life and aspires to become a mammoth rider like her father.

Nevertheless, domesticating the wild mammoths presents difficulties, and Ash must rush to safeguard a rare white mammoth calf from a trophy hunter, aided by her companions Ruby and Jack.

The book debuted at Waterstones Trafalgar Square, and Poyton has since been meeting young readers at school events throughout Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Bedfordshire, and Oxfordshire, as well as at the Natural History Museum in Oxford.

Poyton, who is neurodiverse with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, encountered extra obstacles on her path to publication.

Despite these challenges, she has voiced her pride in Mammoth Rider, which includes a neurodiverse main character and is crafted for maximum readability, following the National Dyslexia Association’s recommendations.

Poyton anticipates that the combination of science and adventure in the book will engage even the most hesitant readers.

Mammoth Rider can be purchased through any online retailer.