Riding Lessons (an Ellen & Ned Book)
by Jane Smiley (Author)
Eleven-year-old Ellen is a spunky--and occasionally misbehaving--young riding student. Her teacher Abby Lovitt (who readers might recognize from The Georges and the Jewels) is a high school student who introduces her to jumping, dressage techniques, and most importantly, Ned. Ned is a colt who used to be a racehorse, until he hurt his leg and moved to Abby's ranch. Ellen and Ned seem to understand each other, and their companionship is immediate. But Ellen is only allowed to go to riding lessons when she behaves at school. And with all that's going on, from learning that she's adopted to finding out her parents are adopting a new baby, it's harder than ever for Ellen to pay attention and behave in class and at home. Will Ellen be able to spend more time on the ranch with Ned? And will her parents ever let her have a horse of her own?
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-5—Pulitzer Prize-winning author Smiley pens the first book in a new series set in the 60s about a fourth-grade girl who loves riding and horses. Ned is a retired racehorse who Ellen meets at her riding lesson and they instantly have a magical connection; she can see and hear him even when they are far apart. Ellen soon finds out that she was adopted and that her parents are adopting another baby girl. Ellen is precocious and has to work on following rules and not speaking out of turn. She learns discipline through the riding lessons with her instructor and by observing other girls in her class. Ellen and Ned help each other navigate their surroundings through their telepathic communication. VERDICT A quiet work of historical fiction for horse lovers. A secondary purchase.—Sarah Wilsman, Bainbridge Library, Chagrin Falls, OH
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.JUV013010 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Adoption
JUV032090 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Equestrian
