-Jessie Haas
Shy farm girl Joni’s new friendship with animal rights activist Chess unravels when Chess’s views push Joni too far in this layered coming-of-age story about two girls and their love for horses.
Joni’s world revolves around her beloved horse, Archie, and her family’s Vermont sheep farm. When outspoken, sophisticated Chess moves nearby, Joni is drawn to her, even though Chess questions everything Joni loves—working horses, eating cheese, having pets, and even the farm itself. Torn between desperately wanting a friendship and resenting Chess’s assumptions about horses and farms, Joni mostly keeps her opinions to herself. But when Chess steals their neighbor’s miniature horses to “rescue” them, Joni finds the courage to stand up for her beliefs. With quiet intensity, this timely novel tackles the complex issue of bridging the political divide and building friendships while staying true to yourself.
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I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book with an Animal Rights theme but I ended up enjoying it. This is a Juniors book and I felt it was a good introduction for kids about being good animal stewards (respecting the animals we have care of and giving them good lives) and about the (I'm going to call it *dangerous* pitfalls) of Animal Rights activism. Overall, I liked the theme of a city-girl moving to the countryside and experiencing rural living for the first time. I felt it was a good way to present how livestock are respected and cared for on working farms with plenty of attention to detail about their care. Even the protagonist character is redeemable because her behavior and actions stem from a good heart and wanting to do good, even if it is misguided. I am all for animal welfare and anything that can improve their lives should always be considered. This story centered on a child’s desire to do that, but without the necessary knowledge or infrastructure to actually make the animals’ lives better after they were taken from their home. There was drama and growth. Overall, a very good story for kids who love animals.
Heidi Y.