More Than a Horse

April 1, 1997
Gr 4-7-When her mother decides to take a job as the cook at a guest ranch in Arizona, Leeann, 12, hopes that their luck will improve. Unfortunately, she alienates Amos, the head wrangler, on her first day there and is forbidden to ride any of the horses. She gets off to a better start at her new school. As Leeann gets to know Kristen, Joy, Zack, and Alan, she realizes that she is not the only one with problems. Encouraged by Joy's mother, they begin a therapeutic riding program, and this activity proves beneficial not only to the handicapped riders but also for the four friends. Then her mother is offered a career opportunity back in North Carolina, and Leeann must once again deal with leaving good friends and a lifestyle she has come to love. This is an entertaining novel with convincing characters whose trials and tribulations will sustain readers' interest. Leeann is an appealing heroine with a well-balanced dose of determination, compassion, and common sense. The unique personalities of each horse will draw an appreciative response from young equestrians. Readers who have enjoyed some of Adler's earlier horse stories such as That Horse, Whiskey (Clarion, 1994) will delight in this one.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

March 15, 1997
Gr. 5^-7. Adler packs her story with elements sure to please: an engaging heroine, an equally engaging horse, a suggestion of romance, and a dude ranch setting. When her financially strapped mother decides to leave North Carolina and take a job at an Arizona ranch, seventh-grader Leeann worries about moving during the middle of the school year. The prospect of riding every day is immensely appealing, however, and Leeann immediately befriends four horse-loving kids. Unfortunately, she soon annoys Amos, the ranch foreman, and is denied access to the stable. Leeann eventually overcomes Amos' misgivings by working with a therapeutic riding program, but just as she finds her niche on the ranch, her mother decides to return to North Carolina. By giving Leeann a temporary reprieve, Adler leaves the door open for a sequel that will bring a more complete resolution. ((Reviewed March 15, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)