The A Circuit

July 1, 2011

Gr 6-9-Middle-class Kate works at Pelham Lane Stables outside New York City so that she can afford riding lessons. Tommi's affluent family supports her equestrian passion as a pastime but not her ambition to become a professional rider. Zara, the daughter of a famous rock star, arrives at the stable from Los Angeles and immediately creates chaos. She breaks the rules, almost permanently damages another rider's horse, and then allows someone else to take the blame. She spends most of her time either angry at her stressful, privileged life or sorry for herself because she thinks no one likes her. Each time she messes up, she wants another chance, and those around her keep accommodating her. The girls even lie for her and betray the trust their trainer has in them. The authors have effectively portrayed young people who do not take responsibility for their reckless behavior and avoid the consequences even if it requires lying. This is a fast-paced, high-interest story. Kate and Tommi are appealing girls whose family dilemmas and devotion to their riding are believable. Zara is a Lindsay Lohan type in equestrian apparel. The decisions made by the characters could provide an excellent opportunity for discussions about personal responsibility, and the rivalries and day-to-day activities in the horse world are effectively captured.-Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2011
Grades 9-12 Set in the world of elite horse shows and lifestyles, this series starter introduces teens Zara, Tommi, and Kate, who are brought together through equestrian training and competitions. Party-girl Zara, a rock stars daughter, usually gets her way, but New York isnt L.A., and her supercilious attitude makes adjusting to her new stable difficult. Tommi, the daughter of a superwealthy businessman, hopes to pursue her own path instead of following others expectations. Kate, who needs to work at the stables to cover her training expenses, has trouble relating to her friends and problems at home. Each girl makes discoveries about herself and others, from riding to romance to finding confidence and support among friends. The detailed, occasionally dense prose alternates each girls story in a novel that features abundant equestrian specifics and jargon along with some universal teen issues. Although the characters veer into types and the story covers predictable themes, this title, coauthored by a daughter of New York Citys Mayor Bloomberg, will likely draw fans of the A List and Gossip Girl series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)