Horses and Friends is a book series by Miralee Ferrell. I received books 1-4 for review purposes.
I began book 1, A Horse for Kate, with the intention of paying attention to the vocabulary and trying to determine if Hannah (age 8) would be ready to read it yet. I quickly got absorbed in the plot and forgot all about reading it "for her sake" and simply enjoyed the unfolding story.
A Horse for Kate tells the story of a girl whose family moves to a new area. Moving is always a challenge, but middle school is a particularly rough time, and Kate is 11. The story opens with her wanting 2 things: a horse, and a friend. Fortunately, she gets both in the end.
In Silver Spurs, the second book, Kate's family has turned grandfather's farm into a horse stables, and through a twist or two of fate, and some community support, ends up holding a horse show that gives Kate a taste for competition, as she receives her first ribbon, but more than that, helps someone in need and makes a new friend.
Book 3, Mystery Rider, is full of adventure. Kate and her friends solve a mystery, ride in a parade, and learn valuable lessons from an older woman.
The newest book in the series is Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. Kate and her friends undertake a huge project and deal with a really disappointing setback in a mature way. The series is aptly named, as the theme of friendship runs strong throughout all 4 books. First with Kate and Tori, and gradually they add Colt, Melissa, and Jake to their circle.
These books are fun to read. But this is not just a fluff series. It tackles some hard issues like racism and autism, and has some subtler themes like delayed gratification and personal safety. Challenges that the 8-12 year olds they're aimed at are beginning to think about. I look forward to Hannah being able to enjoy these books soon, and I'm glad I got the chance to read them so that I will be able to discuss them with her.
I would love to see author Miralee Ferrell either continue the series or do a holiday book with the same characters. You can't help but like Kate and her family and friends.
This post may be linked up at these linky parties.
What a fun-looking series. I read horse series after horse series as a child. I really enjoyed Loraine Snelling's Christian horse-based series. We would love for you to link up this post with us at the Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup #LMMLinkup http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=846
ReplyDeleteThese are faith based, too. And one of the characters is even homeschooled, which is always a plus.
DeleteI'm pinning these. They look great! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! :) Always fun to come across a new series. That way the end of a book isn't so bad, because you know you'll meet the characters again in the next one.
DeleteThanks for being part of my blog tour and for your thoughtful review of my series and newest book. You mentioned hoping there would be more...I do plan to write two more. Book five, Rebel Horse Rescue, will release just prior to Christmas this year. Blessings!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to visit! I'm glad to hear you'll be continuing the series. :)
Delete