MEDIA

A Good Horse

by Jane SMILEY
(Horses of Oak Valley Ranch: Bk. 2). 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Recorded Books. 2015. $66.75. ISBN 9781490640839. Playaway, digital download.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5–8—Eighth grader Abby Lovitt and her family live on their horse ranch in 1960s California. A letter from a private investigator suggests that Abby's favorite colt, Jack, may have been sold to them as stolen goods. While the Lovitts await more information from the investigator, Abby continues training Black George, a kind and generous horse with loads of raw talent over jumps. When Abby and Black George win a championship, drawing the interest of wealthy buyers, Abby worries that she may lose both horses. This wholesome story is refreshingly devoid of darkness and mature themes. Abby's family has a strong Christian faith, but the Christian elements are not heavy-handed. Narrator Angela Goethals's girlish voice perfectly captures young Abby's charming personality.
VERDICT Vivid descriptions of horse training and behavior and the sheer beauty of these animals in motion will appeal to horse-loving tween and teen listeners.
Reviewed by Lisa E. Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH , Jun 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Read Rec Rachel: New YA Releases for November and December 2024
by Rachel Strolle
BLOGS

Surviving the Slow Burn of Middle Grade, a guest post by Shannon Messenger
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Mysteries and the Teenage Search for Identity, a guest post by Jan Gangsei
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Co-Writing a Story of Trans Joy Across a Barbed Wire Fence, a guest post by Teghan Hammond and Mel Hammond
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Falling in Love with History, a guest post by Tonya Bolden
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Why Anthologies? A guest post by Henry Herz
by Amanda MacGregor
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?