FRIENDS LIKE THESE

A sixth grader contends with both a stubborn horse and the reluctant first student in her ranch’s new scholarship program.

In this sequel to Can’t Be Tamed (2022), ranch manager’s daughter Carolina Aguasvivas continues adjusting to changes at their Idaho ranch. Her friendship with Chelsie, the new owner’s daughter, has cemented, and the two are excited about launching the scholarship program they initiated for kids who can’t afford riding lessons. Carolina is anxious, fearing that its success will hinge on its first recipient’s providing a rave review to the program’s sponsor; unfortunately, things get off to a rocky start when 10-year-old Gisella turns out to be afraid of horses. Originally from Venezuela and homesick after moving from Miami, Gisella also seems to prefer hanging out with Chelsie, who is patient with her nerves and whose Spanish is strong thanks to her Argentine dad. Though she knows some Spanish from her own father’s side of the family, Carolina feels left out of Chelsie and Gisella’s Spanish conversations. Making things worse, Shadow, the horse Carolina’s been assigned to ride, refuses to take direction from her. But nothing is as bad as it seems, and things look up when Carolina realizes she can communicate in more ways than simply by telling others what to do—including by paying close attention to unspoken signals and teaching by example. This heartwarming story thoughtfully presents tween relationships alongside appealing animal content.

A compelling read about learning to work well with others.