Hook 'Em Snotty

December 1, 1995
Gr 3-6-A short series entry that's trite, unbelievable, and predictable. Bobbie and Alex, female cousins, are thrown together on the ranch where Bobbie lives with their grandfather and take an immediate dislike to one another. The girls are sent out alone for a week to round up stray cattle in the mountains and bring them back; their success will determine whether the ranch survives or not. Alex has ridden only on English saddles and never been out of Los Angeles before. She becomes an accomplished horsewoman overnight, even riding a wild bull for a few minutes before being thrown. There is little suspense and the ending, in which the now friendly pair team up to overcome two bully brothers, is expected. The brevity of the book allows little room for character development or interesting plot. Skip this one.-Carol Torrance, Lincoln School, Kearny, NJ