A Good Horse

By Smiley, Jane

Publishers Summary:
When eighth grader Abby Lovitt looks out at those pure-gold rolling hills, she knows there’s no place she’d rather be than her family’s ranch—even with all the hard work of tending to nine horses. But some chores are no work at all, like grooming young Jack. At eight months, his rough foal coat has shed out, leaving a smooth, rich silk, like chocolate. As for Black George, such a good horse, it turns out he’s a natural jumper. When he and Abby clear four feet easy as pie, heads start to turn at the ring—buyers’ heads—and Abby knows Daddy won’t turn down a good offer. Then a letter arrives from a private investigator, and suddenly Abby stands to lose not one horse but two. The letter states that Jack’s mare may have been sold to the Lovitts as stolen goods. A mystery unfolds, more surprising than Abby could ever expect. Will she lose her beloved Jack to his rightful owners?Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley raises horses of her own, and her affection and expertise shine through in this inviting horse novel for young readers, set in 1960s California horse country and featuring characters from The Georges and the Jewels.

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ISBN
978-0-37586-229-8
Publisher
Knopf Books for Young Readers


REVIEWS

School Library Journal

Reviewed on December 1, 2010  |  Grades 5-up

Gr 6–8—Eighth-grader Abby Lovitt loves caring for her family's nine horses. Her favorites are Jack and Black George, though she runs the risk of losing both. Black George is an excellent jumper, and after he and Abby win first place in a contest, he is sold for a considerable profit. The family receives a series of letters from a private investigator indicating that Jack's mother fits the...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Horn Book Guide

Reviewed on January 1, 2010

Abby learns that Jack, the colt she rescued in <i>The Georges and the Jewels</i>, might have been sired by a famous race horse. Me...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Junior Library Guild

Reviewed on February 1, 2011

An absorbing sequel to The Georges and the Jewels that also stands alone. Readers will be immersed in the culture of ranch life, while horse fans especially will enjoy poring over the horseback-riding details. Well-developed characters help give the novel its rich, realistic feel. Abby’s strict parents are growing and changing...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

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