Full Description

Rodeo Rocky

There is no greater trust than the one between a rider and her horse.

Kirstie Scott lives for horses. While at a local rodeo contest, she is horrified to see how Rocky, an injured horse, is treated. Kirstie persuades her mother to buy him, but soon learns that training an ex-rodeo horse is not easy. And when Rocky throws Kirstie on a trail far from the ranch, she quickly realizes that the only way to get them both home safely is to trust herself and the unruly horse.

What readers are saying:
"This is the 2nd book in the Half Moon Ranch series and one of my favourites. The detail and story line is great. I would recommend to any horse lover!"

"This is the best book I have ever read. Jenny Oldfield's whole series is amazing. I like Rodeo Rocky though because Rocky reminds me of my pony. This story is so well described I would recommend it to all horse lovers."

"A wonderful story. This is a good read for any horse lover. I enjoyed it a lot."

Don't miss the other books in The Horses of Half Moon Ranch Series:

• Wild Horses
• Midnight Lady - Available in Spring 2009

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Excerpt

Excerpt

Reviews

Reviews

The Reading Tub
Title: RODEO ROCKY (The Horses of Half Moon Ranch Series)

Author: Jenny Oldfield

Illustrator: Paul Hunt


Reserve at the Library

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.©2008

Material: paperback

Summary: Kirstie Scott’s family operates Half Moon Ranch, a dude ranch near Denver, Colorado. Kirstie (age 9) loves horses and expects them to be treated and cared for just like they were people. At the San Luis Competition (rodeo), Kirstie and her friends learn that rodeo horses are frequently physically abused and mamed. Kirstie is apppalled and wants to put an end to the pain. With the help and support of her family, friends, and a horse named Rodeo Rocky, she sets out to prove there’s a better way to raise horses. This is part of an adventure series about a girl and her love of horses.

Type of Reading: bedtime story, anytime reading, family reading, independent reading, early reader, read aloud book

Recommended Age: read together: 8 to 12; read yourself: 9 to 13

Interest Level: 8 to 13

Reading Level: 3.7

Age of Child: Teen STAR Review Team, Be the Star You Are!™

Big Kid Reaction: In Rodeo RockyThe author engages preteen girls in one of their passions: horses. The story immediately grabs her readers and holds them spellbound. The characters are believable and the plot and subplots maintain the pace and authenticity of the book.

Pros: This is a heart-warming story that preteen girls will love (even if they aren’t horse afficianados)!

Cons: None.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow, at least. This is the second book in the series, and like the first story, it catches and keeps the attention of its readers. It is a heart-warming story that friends will talk about for a long time. The long and short of it is that the book is interesting, educational, and enjoyable.

If You Liked This Book, Try: LADY’S BIG SURPRISE (Lucky Foot Stable Series, #1) , ROBIN: THE LOVABLE MORGAN HORSE , WILD HORSES (The Horses of Half Moon Ranch Series)

Educational Themes: This book is enjoyable to read. The story, characters and plot are believable. A savvy teacher or parent will recognize opportunities to discuss the predicaments and challenges that the characters faced in trying to do the right thing.

Notes: Flesch Kincaid reading level 3.7

Literary Categories: Fiction - animal stories, adventure, series book

Library Journal
Kirstie Scott’s family runs a successful vacation ranch in Colorado, and the 13-year-old loves her lifestyle. In the first book, she witnesses the mistreatment of a stallion at a rodeo so her mother purchases the horse–a major error according to their senior hand. Kirstie faces the daunting job of training the animal to live and interact appropriately with other horses and with people at the ranch. In the second title, the protagonist is on a trek with a group of tourists when an unexpected thunderstorm causes a landslide. She is cut off from the rest of the trail riders and trapped in a canyon with wild horses. One of them, a beautiful black stallion, has been hurt by falling debris. When help comes, Kirstie leaves the animal behind but then pleads with the vet to treat it. Returning to the canyon, she discovers that the entire herd has disappeared. In both books, illustrations are scattered throughout. Oldfield does a superior job of integrating factual information into the story lines. The plots moves quickly and the writing is straightforward. Some of the characters are not well developed, but Kirstie, who has strength and conviction, is a great role model. Good choices where books about horses are in high demand.

Customer Reviews:

Specs / Support

Trade Paper Specfications

• Length: 7.75 in
• Width: 5.25 in
• Height: 0.00 in
• Weight: 6.00 oz
• Page Count: 160 pages