Where There's Smoke (Horse Country #3)

by Yamile Saied Méndez

Overview

Welcome back to Paradise Ranch, where everyone can get a second chance, in this third installment of the Horse Country series by Pura Belpr Award-winning author Yamile Saied Mndez.

Carolina Aguasvivas knows just what to do with Paradise Ranch's new sponsored student, Rockwell Richards. He's clearly a perfect match for a gentle giant of a horse named Napoleon, as they both have mysterious pasts. Carolina can't wait to learn everything she can about the cute and thoughtful new boy...but Rockwell doesn't seem to appreciate her snooping — or admiration.

When the barn is threatened by local wildfires, can he and Caro put everything aside and help keep the horses safe?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338749502
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/20/2022
Series:	Horse Country , #3
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	95,249
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.50(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

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

2022-08-17
A sixth grader deals with challenges stemming from her first crush and the threat of local wildfires near the horse ranch where her family lives.

Fans will enjoy seeing 11-year-old Carolina Aguasvivas, the ranch manager’s daughter, mature in this third series installment. Having learned valuable life lessons in the previous books, a self-aware Carolina is excited to welcome Rockwell Richards, the newest scholarship recipient, to the ranch’s riding program. But misunderstandings arise when Carolina unexpectedly develops a crush on Rockwell and isn’t sure how to act around him. Suddenly, Chelsie, the ranch owner’s daughter and one of Carolina’s closest friends, begins avoiding her and spending more time with bully Loretta, who makes fun of Rockwell for being chubby. Rockwell is very protective of his little brother who has Down syndrome and private about his life in general, making Carolina, who cares about him, feel guilty that she’s crossing the line between trying to get to know Rockwell better and gossiping to find out more about him behind his back. Meanwhile, dry conditions and an increasing number of local fires concern everyone. From accidentally burning cookies to inquiring about Rockwell’s school absence, it feels like any well-meaning act is capable of potentially sparking a destructive blaze. But, with kindness and a heartfelt desire to do the right thing, Carolina and her friends learn to own up to their mistakes and move forward together.

A touching, entertaining read about caring for others—human and horse alike. (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews