3.7
Part of "Pony Pals" series
"The Girl Who Hated Ponies" by Jeanne Betancourt is a heartwarming and relatable middle-grade novel that explores themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery. The story follows the main character, Stephanie, who has always been afraid of horses, despite growing up on a farm with her horse-loving family. Stephanie's fear and dislike of ponies becomes a source of tension between her and her family, particularly her older sister, who is a talented rider and trainer. However, when a new girl, Alison, moves to town and becomes Stephanie's closest friend, she finds herself drawn into the world of horses and pony camp. Through her friendship with Alison, Stephanie begins to confront her fears and discovers a love for horses that she never knew she had. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of being true to oneself. Betancourt's writing is engaging and accessible, making this book a great choice for young readers who are just starting to explore the world of chapter books. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is filled with moments of humor, drama, and emotional depth. Overall, "The Girl Who Hated Ponies" is a delightful and uplifting story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a celebration of the power of friendship, the joys of discovery, and the importance of embracing new experiences, even when they are outside of our comfort zones...
Marguerite Henry
Misty of Chincoteague
If you're looking for a classic horse story, you can't go wrong with 'Misty of Chincoteague'. This Newbery Medal-winning book tells the story of the Beebe family, who live on an island off the coast of Virginia and raise wild horses. When they set their sights on capturing a legendary mare named Phantom, they must face challenges and dangers that test their courage and determination.
Learn MoreAnna Sewell
Black Beauty
Another classic horse story that fans of 'The Girl Who Hated Ponies' might enjoy is 'Black Beauty'. Written in the form of an autobiography of a horse, it tells the story of Beauty's life from his idyllic childhood on a English farm to his difficult years in London as a cab horse. Along the way, he encounters kindness and cruelty, and learns important lessons about life and love.
Learn MoreMarguerite Henry
King of the Wind
If you're looking for another horse story with a historical setting, 'King of the Wind' is a great choice. It tells the story of Sham, a horse who is born in Morocco and travels with his owner to England, where he becomes the foundation of the English Thoroughbred breed. Along the way, he faces challenges and dangers, but also experiences kindness and friendship.
Learn MoreC.S. Lewis
The Horse and His Boy
For fans of 'The Girl Who Hated Ponies' who are interested in fantasy stories, 'The Horse and His Boy' is a great choice. It's the third book in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series, and tells the story of Shasta, a young boy who escapes from his cruel master with the help of a talking horse named Bree. Together, they journey to Narnia, where they have many adventures and learn important lessons about courage, loyalty, and friendship.
Learn MoreJohn Steinbeck
The Red Pony
If you're looking for a more serious and literary horse story, 'The Red Pony' is a great choice. It's a collection of four related stories about a young boy named Jody, who lives on a ranch in California and dreams of becoming a cowboy. Through his experiences with horses, he learns about life, death, and the responsibilities of adulthood.
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