Middle Grade Review: Phoenix

First book in a new series

Harper's having a rough time. Her parents are getting a divorce because her dad and her best friend's mom are having an affair. Everyone at school is talking about it and her best friend won't look at her. Harper doesn't want to go back.

Harper and her mom move two hours away next door to a stable. They live in a tiny house. Harper's angry all the time, but she's happy to have her dog by her side. She's mad at her dad. She's mad at her best friend. But she is enjoying watching everything that's going on at the stable,

One day, a trailer pulls up with a horse that's almost dead. Everyone at the stable is at a competition. Harper takes control over the horse. Can they help heal each other?

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Harper; I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for. She's so determined to help this horse. She sees herself in him. Harper makes friends with the kids at the stables, but she does snap at them when she's emotional. She has a hard time telling them about her past. However, she does apologize. She's learning and growing and healing. I'm eager to see what happens next and if the next book will also follow Harper or one of the other kids at the stable. 

Cover Thoughts:

Why I read it: Horse book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.