Horse Girl

Gr 3-5—Seventh grader Wills (or Willa) has always been a true horse girl, so when her family moves to Nebraska from California, she finally gets her chance to take horseback riding lessons. Wills is excited to begin her horse girl journey, but there are challenges. Whereas Wills is just learning how to properly ride and jump a horse, her riding partners at Oakwood Riding Academy are years ahead of her. Plus they all seem to ride their thoroughbred horses so elegantly, while extra-tall Wills gets paired with an equally tall Clydesdale horse named Clyde Lee. Needing one more rider to participate in the annual Oakwood Invitational competition, Wills must gain the approval of horse captain and champion Amara, learn how to ride without Clyde, and find out who is leaving her mysterious handwritten notes. This narrative offers a fun story of fitting in, a slight mystery, and friendly competition. Wills's mom is deployed overseas as a pilot in the air force, and her father is caring for Wills and her 16-year-old sister. Pages include footnotes with further information on horse etiquette and vocabulary, handwritten notes, and text message conversations. Characters are described only by their hair color. Wills has frizzy dark hair, and three of the other girls (triplets) have blonde hair. VERDICT A great alternative to the more mean-girl "Canterwood Crest" series, without losing the relatable preteen voice and story line.—Anna Taylor, Chattanooga, TN

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A book of exceptional wit and heart, a rare and dangerous combination. Seim clears every jump with grace." — Matthew Aldrich, screenwriter of Disney/Pixar's Coco

From the deliciously zippy dialogue to the hilarious misadventures of a sassy equestrian misfit (who among us didn't plot a "Grand Theft Equine" of our favorite pony?) and her equine accomplices, Carrie Seim perfectly captures what it means to be a true 'HORSE GIRL' circa-now — and always. — Sarah Maslin Nir, staff reporter, The New York Times, and author of Horse Crazy: The Story of A Woman and A World in Love with An Animal

"Horse Girl had my daughter enthralled. Carrie Seim's writing is both funny and poignant. She spins a heartwarming tale of 'finding your forever herd' that will connect with kids and families of all kinds. There's even an awkward dad character. (Ahem.) No comment." — Dana Gould, writer/co-executive producer of The Simpsons

"Horse Girl really captures a horse lover's imagination with its spirited story and girl talk. What a great idea and a fun read." — Soledad O'Brien, Peabody-award winning broadcast journalist, author and executive producer