Gee Whiz

August 15, 2013
Abby Lovitt's newest horse brings her a taste of the wider world. Handsome, intelligent Gee Whiz, recently retired, raced successfully all over the country, and Abby loves to imagine the things he's seen. Meanwhile, her brother looks to be heading into the Vietnam War, her friends Barbie and Alexis come home from boarding school, and a beloved church member dies. Abby's awash with change--but if that weren't enough, the man who co-owns her young horse, Jack, wants to start his race training, which Abby and her family can't afford. Smiley's Abby Lovitt books (Pie in the Sky, 2012, etc.) have always been especially anchored to time and place. Beautifully written as always, this installment is especially satisfying for the way it shows Abby's curiosity and sense of wonder naturally unfold. Also as always, the horse details continue to fascinate. Another successful visit with Abby Lovitt and her horses. (Historical fiction. 10-14)

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December 1, 2013

Gr 5-8-In 1966, Abby lives on a ranch in California where her family trains and sells horses. In this fifth story about her, she interacts with the yearling Jack, destined for the track; Beebop, a rodeo bucking horse; and Gee Whiz, a big ex-racehorse that may have jumping talent and is very clever at opening closed gates. The teen's life revolves around her church, some activities with friends, and taking care of the horses. Various characters drift in and out of the narrative. An elderly man at her church, Brother Abner, shares stories with her about the world, which help her to start thinking about more than her present life. The dilemma of the Vietnam draft is briefly touched upon concerning her older brother, Danny. Abby is a smart and appealing protagonist, but the novel moves slowly; it is like reading a person's daily blog rather than an exciting or unexpected story. Even her relationship with Gee Whiz never seems fully realized.-Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

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