The Best Horse Ever

Gr 35This is an enjoyable book about a young girl's experiences with her first horse. DeLaCroix skillfully interweaves two plotlines: Abby's struggle to prove to her parents that she can take care of the animal, and her efforts to maintain her relationship with her best friend despite their diverging interests. Abby soon realizes that caring for Griffin is time-consuming. She doesn't understand why her friend is afraid of him, and she doesn't appreciate Devon's interest in her cat's new kittens. With her parents' advice, Abby learns how to balance taking care of Griffin with the rest of her life and to reconcile her differences with Devon. The characters and their relationships, including Abby's connection with her younger brother, are realistically portrayed, and the story has humorous touches. The occasional full-page black-and-white line drawings are well done and assist readers who are making the transition from easier chapter books, such as the author's "The Hero of Third Grade" (Holiday House, 2002)."Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.