A Good Horse

Angela Goethals's performance highlights eighth-grader Abby Lovitt's practical and calm manner in this story, set on a horse ranch in California. Like Abby herself, Goethals is most animated when Abby is working with horses, particularly her foal, Jack. Goethals effectively introduces a note of alarm when Abby's family's ownership of Jack comes into question. Later, Goethals adds a tone of panic when Abby becomes frightened while performing jumps in a horse show. The focus here is on horsemanship, but Goethals deepens the story with her vocal characterizations of the people in Abby's world. She's especially skilled at creating male voices as well as that of the crisply efficient riding instructor, Miss Slater. This audiobook will be most appealing to horse lovers but will also be welcome family listening. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine


Angela Goethals's performance highlights eighth-grader Abby Lovitt's practical and calm manner in this story, set on a horse ranch in California. Like Abby herself, Goethals is most animated when Abby is working with horses, particularly her foal, Jack. Goethals effectively introduces a note of alarm when Abby's family's ownership of Jack comes into question. Later, Goethals adds a tone of panic when Abby becomes frightened while performing jumps in a horse show. The focus here is on horsemanship, but Goethals deepens the story with her vocal characterizations of the people in Abby's world. She's especially skilled at creating male voices as well as that of the crisply efficient riding instructor, Miss Slater. This audiobook will be most appealing to horse lovers but will also be welcome family listening. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

September 27, 2010
Smiley returns to the territory and characters of her 2009 novel, The Georges and the Jewels, in this moving sequel. Opening on Abby's 13th birthday, the story centers on her relationship with her beloved eight-month-old colt, Jack (introduced in the last book), who Abby fears she may lose after her family's ownership of Jack is contested. The 1960s setting and the Lovitt family's ranch life (and faith) are visceral presences in the book. And when heartbreaking and very adult decisions need to be made, Abby's love of horses provides a steadfast anchor. Ages 11–up.

June 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-Eighth grader Abby Lovitt and her family live on their horse ranch in 1960s California. A letter from a private investigator suggests that Abby's favorite colt, Jack, may have been sold to them as stolen goods. While the Lovitts await more information from the investigator, Abby continues training Black George, a kind and generous horse with loads of raw talent over jumps. When Abby and Black George win a championship, drawing the interest of wealthy buyers, Abby worries that she may lose both horses. This wholesome story is refreshingly devoid of darkness and mature themes. Abby's family has a strong Christian faith, but the Christian elements are not heavy-handed. Narrator Angela Goethals's girlish voice perfectly captures young Abby's charming personality. VERDICT Vivid descriptions of horse training and behavior and the sheer beauty of these animals in motion will appeal to horse-loving tween and teen listeners.-Lisa E. Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.