Discover books similar to "Playing for Keeps"

Lauren Brooke

Playing for Keeps

3.98

"Playing for Keeps," by Lauren Brooke, is a heartwarming young adult novel that explores themes of friendship, love, and perseverance. The story centers around the main character, Stevie Lake, a 14-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a world-class equestrian. However, when she suffers a devastating fall that leaves her unable to ride, Stevie must learn to navigate her new reality and find a way to stay connected to the sport she loves. Throughout the novel, Stevie forms close bonds with her friends at the Fenton Farm riding camp, including the talented and enigmatic Lisa Atwood and the kind-hearted and loyal Carole Hanson. Together, the three girls form the Saddle Club, a tight-knit group that supports each other through the ups and downs of adolescence and horseback riding. As Stevie works to recover from her injury, she discovers new passions and talents, including a gift for training horses. With the help of her friends and the supportive community at Fenton Farm, Stevie learns to overcome her fears and embrace her new identity as a horse trainer and mentor. "Playing for Keeps" is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will appeal to horse lovers and fans of young adult fiction alike. Brooke's vivid descriptions of the rolling hills and lush pastures of Fenton Farm, as well as the intricacies of horse riding and training, bring the story to life in vivid detail. At its core, "Playing for Keeps" is a celebration of the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. Stevie's journey from injured rider to successful horse trainer is a testament to the importance of perseverance, hard work, and a strong support system. Overall, "Playing for Keeps" is a must-read for anyone who loves horses, enjoys a good coming-of-age story, or simply wants to be swept away to a world of adventure and friendship...

List of books similar to "Playing for Keeps":

Bonnie Bryant

The Saddle Club series

If you enjoyed 'Playing for Keeps' by Lauren Brooke, you might like The Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant. This series follows the adventures of three friends who love horses and riding, much like in Brooke's book. Each book in the series focuses on a different character and their personal growth, as well as horse-related activities and competitions.

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Anna Sewell

Black Beauty

A classic horse story that fans of 'Playing for Keeps' will enjoy is 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell. This novel is told from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty, and follows his life from a happy childhood to a series of difficult situations and owners. The novel explores themes of kindness, cruelty, and the treatment of animals.

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John Steinbeck

The Red Pony

For a more literary take on the horse story genre, check out 'The Red Pony' by John Steinbeck. This novella follows the story of a boy named Jody who receives a red pony as a gift, and the lessons he learns about life, death, and responsibility through his experiences with the pony. The novel explores themes of growth, loss, and the human condition.

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Marguerite Henry

King of the Wind

Another great horse story from Marguerite Henry is 'King of the Wind'. This novel tells the story of a horse named Sham and his journey from the desert of Morocco to the royal stables of England. The novel explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of storytelling.

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Jane Smiley

Horse Heaven

For a more mature horse-related novel, check out 'Horse Heaven' by Jane Smiley. This novel follows the stories of several horses and their owners, and explores the world of horse racing and breeding. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the unpredictable nature of life.

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Nicholas Evans

The Horse Whisperer

Another great horse-related novel for mature readers is 'The Horse Whisperer' by Nicholas Evans. This novel tells the story of a girl who is injured in a horse-riding accident and the horse whisperer who helps her and her horse heal. The novel explores themes of trauma, healing, and the power of human-animal connections.

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Monty Roberts

The Man Who Listens to Horses

For a non-fiction book about horse training and communication, check out 'The Man Who Listens to Horses' by Monty Roberts. This book tells the story of Roberts' life and his innovative methods for training horses without the use of force or punishment. The book explores themes of communication, trust, and the power of positive reinforcement.

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