Can't Be Tamed (Horse Country #1)

by Yamile Saied Méndez

Overview

Welcome to Paradise Ranch, where everyone can get a second chance.

Carolina Aguasvivas grew up on Paradise Ranch, which she knows down to every last pony. But things are sure to change when the new owner's daughter, Chelsie Sánchez, sweeps in with an attitude and a feisty Thoroughbred named Velvet. The mare is skittish, headstrong, and hurt — and Carolina is determined to ride her.

Chelsie, who considers herself too good to clean stalls, certainly doesn't seem like a real horse girl. Caro knows she's the only one who can help Velvet recover, and she's ready to prove it — no matter what it takes.

The girls may discover they have more in common than they think... including a passion for bringing the healing power of horses to every kid.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338749465
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Series:	Horse Country , #1
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	47,492
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	740L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of Blizzard Besties, Random Acts of Kittens, Wish Upon a Stray, and many other books for young readers, including Furia, a Reese's YA Book Club selection and winner of a Pura Belpré YA Author Medal. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in Utah with her family. A Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she is also a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Horse Country #1: Can’t Be Tamed:

"The book's descriptions of ranch life are immersive and realistic. The thoughtful protagonist, who brings heartfelt passion and dedication to every aspect of caring for horses — even the messiest parts — will especially appeal to young animal lovers... An enjoyable read about horses, friendship, and second chances." — Kirkus Reviews

"Maria Liatis's youthful, exuberant voice is perfect for this new juvenile series that will be embraced by horse lovers." — Booklist, audio edition review

Praise for Wish Upon a Stray:

"An entertaining and endearing tale of resilience in the face of change and loss as well as the opportunities that can come when challenges are met. A sweet tale of dealing with estrangement and finding belonging." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2022-03-02
The daughter of a horse ranch’s manager and accountant feels her special place with the horses is threatened when the new owner and her daughter move in.

Sixth grader Carolina Aguasvivas loves everything about growing up on a horse ranch in Idaho. She doesn’t even mind cleaning up horse poop when she mucks horse stalls to earn riding time. She’s also excited that the ranch has been sold to a new owner, Ms. Whitby, who aims to start a riding school. Unfortunately, Ms. Whitby’s daughter, Chelsie, appears stuck up, initially balking at her mother’s insistence that she help muck stalls and befriending the girls who’ve made fun of Carolina in the past, calling her a “pooper scooper.” Worse, Velvet, a beautiful new Thoroughbred mare who might just be the horse of Carolina’s heart, belongs to Chelsie. Eventually, though, a moment of danger bonds the two girls: Each of them overcomes their insecurities, and they learn to work together in order to help both the ranch and their community. The book’s descriptions of ranch life are immersive and realistic. The thoughtful protagonist, who brings heartfelt passion and dedication to every aspect of caring for horses—even the messiest parts—will especially appeal to young animal lovers. In their mostly White area, Carolina is of Irish, Mexican, and Argentine descent; Chelsie’s Argentine father lives in Buenos Aires, and her mom is White.

An enjoyable read about horses, friendship, and second chances. (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews