Families who loved The Perfect Distance by Kim Ablon Whitney often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
This engaging young adult novel follows Francie Martinez, a talented 17-year-old Mexican American equestrian, during her pivotal last junior year at a top show stable. Francie is under immense pressure to win prestigious equitation finals, prove herself to her demanding trainer, and contend with a fierce rival. Amidst the high-stakes competition, she also navigates a budding romance and grapples with revelations about her trainer, forcing her to question her priorities and define her own path. The book offers a detailed, authentic look into the competitive horse world while exploring universal themes of identity, perseverance, and finding one's true self. It is ideal for readers aged 12-18 who enjoy sports fiction, coming-of-age stories, and strong female protagonists.