Horse Trouble
-
-
5.0 • 1 Rating
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
An American Library Association 2021 Best Graphic Novel for Children
Twelve-year-old Kate is laser-focused on her one true passion: horseback riding. But try as she might, she can't hide from life's problems in the stable.
There's nothing Kate loves more than being around horses. But her best friend is allergic to them, so Kate has to take riding lessons without her. Kate's forced to navigate some of life's hardships—like the mean girls at the stable who tease her and her body insecurities—all on her own. To make matters worse, Kate is continually falling off her horse. To Kate, her tween years feel like one unfair punishment after another. Can she get over it all…and get back on her horse?
Horse Trouble, the debut graphic novel from children's book artist Kristin Varner, is an oh-so-relatable graphic novel with humor and heart.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dark-haired, light-skinned, and freckled horse lover Kate Williams, 12, has always been "pudgy." But the bi-weekly riding lessons she's taken "at Millcreek Farm for just over four years" have served as her haven. Alongside teasing and bullies, crushes and new friendships this year at Cottonwood Junior High, Kate hits puberty milestones, all while grappling with self-consciousness about her body. As suggested by the title, there is lots of "horse trouble"—most of which results in Kate falling and picking herself back up as she prepares for "the most competitive show in the state." Punctuating each of the 10 chapters with a different fall, Varner (Pink Magic Cupcake) doesn't skirt Kate's embarrassment, nor does she dwell on it; evenly paced scenes give equal emphasis to Kate's misadventures and successes. Kate's first-person narration imbues a matter-of-fact tone, matched by panels—sketched in blue pencil and digitally inked—that carefully detail expressive Kate's ups, downs, and in-betweens. Equine terminology is defined throughout as horseback-riding helps Kate build confidence in this earnest graphic novel debut. Back matter features an author's note describing her personal inspiration, photographs, cover sketches, and the artistic process. Ages 8–12.
