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.

Graphic Novel Review: Creaky Acres

Nora loves horseback riding and competitions. She's devastated to learn that she's moving away - from her friends and her horse barn. Her new barn doesn't compete in horse shows. She isn't sure she likes her horse barn. The other riders aren't as serious. Can she find a home here?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. Nora has a hard time adjusting to her new barn. But she does find a common ground with the other riders. I love the way they come together. I couldn't recommend this book enough. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: I'm still a horse girl at heart

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

Hand this book to: readers who love horses and new beginnings  

Author Interview: Jessica Burkhart

 

I'm so excited to be talking with Jessica Burkhart today. 

I loved her Canterwood Crest series and I was so happy to learn about the Saddlehill Academy books.

Currently there are four books out in the series AND I will tell you that there are mentions of Canterwood Crest characters! 

Read my reviews of all four books here. 

How many books could there be in the series?

Right now, I’m contracted for four books, but if readers pick it up and it sells well, there could be more. I’m hopeful there will be, but I don’t have any answers yet about the series continuing. It’s sad not to know already because with Canterwood, there were 20 books, and that’s what I’d hoped for Saddlehill Academy. But I’m afraid pushback from some bigots about the main character being queer in a sport that’s historically been incredibly straight and white has impacted the sales. Plus, It’s a really rough climate to be writing LGBTQ+ middle-grade novels. 

Still, I hope there will be additional novels, and I’ll write as many more as my publisher wants! 

I hope there are many more because I NEED to know what happens next! 

How much fun was it to go back to the Canterwood Crest characters?

So. Much. Fun. It’s a lovely blast from the past to see these characters that I’ve lived with in my head for so long. They’re all adults (!) now, which is wild. Returning to Canterwood Crest and some of my favorite characters has been a dream, and I hope OG Canterwood readers are having fun with their cameos in Saddlehill!

I am loving hearing about favorite characters. 

Is it hard or fun to write a mean girl scene? And why?

It’s…shockingly easy for me. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, haha. But I love writing mean girls and coming up with the sabotage and their arguments is such a fun part of the job. 

Are you the type of person who holds a grudge? 

Not usually, no. If a person wrongs me and apologizes, I’ll typically give them another chance. Most of my mean girls in Canterwood and Saddlehill sure do hold grudges, though! 

How do you come up with all the wonderful ideas for the drama?

 

I try to ask myself “what’s the worst that could happen?” within the framework of a scene and go from there. I pull ideas from media I’ve consumed and then put my own spin on them to fit the scene. 

The drama is so good. I never want to put these books down. 

Thank you so much for interviewing me, Jen! And happy Pride Month to all! 

Happy Pride everyone! 

Middle Grade Review: Perfect Revenge

* Book 4 in the Saddlehill Academy series * 

Abby was shocked to learn that Ava and Olivia are attending Saddlehill Academy. They seem excited to befriend her and happy to join the team. But things might not be all that they seem.

Abby's too busy worrying about her grades to deal with more team drama. If her grades don't improve in the next few weeks, her father will pull her from the riding team. Abby will be devastated if that happens, especially as she's waiting for word on the clinic from Sasha Silvers and Heather Fox.

My Thoughts: I love this series for the horses, the drama, the friendships, and the romance. Abby and Mila spend more time together in this book and couldn't be cuter. Even though I don't like the reasons, I love how the team starts coming together. I loved seeing Abby and Emery at their house and more family time due to Thanksgiving. I really love learning about the characters from the Canterwood Crest series. The drama in this book ends on a wicked Canterwood cliff-hanger. I need more books in this series! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect. I love these covers

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries

I'm chatting with the author later this week, be sure to check back in! 

Top Ten Tuesday: If You a Fan

 This week's topic is if you're a fan of X. I'm choosing horse books as my X because I'm SUPER EXCITED that Jessica Burkhart has a new book coming out on May 30th.

If you're waiting for it like me, here are some books you might want to read in the meantime.

Obviously the Canterwood Crest series

Children's Books:

Graphic Novels:

Middle Grade:

YA:

Old School Children's Book:

On Your Radar: Queen's Secret (25)

Title: The Queen's Secret

Author: Jessica Day George 

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: May 14, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Horses

 * Friendship

* Secrets

* Betrayal

* Family drama

* Disease

* Danger

* Horse and Human bond

This is the second book in a trilogy perfect for horse lovers.

I loved the first book and the second. I can't wait for the third one!

This book comes out tomorrow.

** ARC sent for review