More Than a Horse

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their place in a new environment or feels they have something to prove to the adults in their life. After moving to an Arizona guest ranch for her mother's job, twelve-year-old Leeann must navigate the loneliness of being the new girl while trying to earn the respect of a skeptical, 'crusty' ranch hand. It is a grounded story about the slow work of building trust with animals and people alike. While the horse-centric plot will appeal to animal lovers, the heart of the book lies in Leeann's growing empathy and resilience. Through her friendship with a mother of a child with a disability, she learns that strength isn't just about riding skill, it is about patience and understanding. This is a realistic, secular coming-of-age story perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12) who appreciate stories about hard-won independence and emotional growth.