Horse Trouble
by Kristin Varner
Juvenile Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
Tween
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Kate is a middle schooler who loves horses and has been obsessed with them since she was 7 (she’s now 12). Although she can’t afford to have her own horse, she has been taking riding lessons over the past 4 years and is becoming an accomplished rider, though she does seem to fall off a lot. She pays for her lessons by doing barn chores, but in the process learns so much by being a barn rat, and is trusted to help feed, exercise, and care for the horses. Kate also gets made fun of – at the barn, at school, and at home – for being chubby – and between that and her falls she starts doubting herself. IS she actually a good rider? DOES she need to lose weight? She’s a tough cookie, though, and a decent person, and eventually she overcomes those negative feelings, stands up for herself, and makes a great showing. She also gets some support (a little late, but appreciated) from her brother, best friend, barn friend, and mom. Pretty good, but wish Kate wasn’t so bullied about her weight.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
