Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language:  There are about 10 instances in which God’s name is used casually (for God’s sake, OMG, for example).

Synopsis

More than anything in the world, Matty wants a horse of her own. Growing up in the resort town of Gull’s Nest, she sees the wealthy New Yorkers visit each summer, bringing with them their spoiled children and beautiful horses. When she lands a job at the local riding stables, Matty learns to care for horses and is also allowed to take riding lessons. She loves riding just as much as she knew she would. Matty moves in with her Grandmother for the summer and discovers a very old painting of an enchanting black horse. Matty wishes with every part of herself that this horse could be her very own. She knows it’s impossible, of course, so why does she feel pulled outside in the middle of the night with the horse in mind? And why does it seem like the horse in the painting is trying to communicate with her? And how is there a black horse, that looks exactly like the one in the painting, waiting for her in the meadow by the pond? Matty just might learn that what her Grandmother has always said is true: Be careful what  you wish for.

It is nice to find a book for this age group that is free of sex and violence. I enjoyed the part of the story in which Matty finds some old journals that reveal the history of the horse and painting. If you have a young horse lover, this would be a fun read for them. Thanks to Nancy DiFabbio for providing a copy for review.