Middle Grade Review: The Night Ride

 

Above all, Sonnia loves horses. She's saving up her money to buy a horse, but she doesn't have a tenth of what she would need. When she learns that Ricochet will be moved to the royal stables to help train a racing horse, she's devastated.

Luckily, she knows a stable hand at the track. Sonnia finds a job. She loves working with horses.  After her chores are done, she can ride. It's not long before she learns of a night race.  

It's dangerous for the horses and dangerous for the riders if anyone found out. At first, she wants nothing to do with the race. But soon she begins to realize that the race is the only way to make real money. She needs to help out her family and it wouldn't hurt to finally have enough money for a horse of her own.

My Thoughts: If you're a fan of horses, this is the book for you. Lots of horse moments between caring for the horses and riding the horses. Sonnia has family struggles between wanting to be good to her family and wanting to forge her own path for the future. It's not easy growing up without money and opportunities. Danger and excitement come from the night rides. Sonnia knows they aren't right, and she struggles with her conscience over riding. She also struggles with fitting in, although she does make some nice friends. Although the ruthlessness of people and their greed surprise her. The ending was great. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collection.