James MacLiesh shocks his conventional parents when he chooses to work with horses instead of going to college—can he make it happen? Bucking his parents—and tradition—seventeen-year-old James MacLiesh decides he wants to be a horse trainer. When he arrives at his cousins' farm, James enters a world completely different from that of his privileged, boarding-school upbringing. Not quite prepared for the rambling, ramshackle old house, he knows he made the right decision the minute he goes into the barn. The horses are magnificent. Ghazal, an obedient if aloof white stallion, is to be James's first training project. But first, James has to re-train himself. Taking place over four seasons and filled with appealing characters—James's uncle Tom and second cousin Gloria, and a riding student named Jennifer Bascomb—Working Trot is about following your dreams and sticking to them no matter what.

In the sequel to Keeping Barney, Sarah's finally going to get her own horse, but there are too many to choose from—and she wants one just like Barney With his broad chest, round rump, and short legs, Barney looks more like a Shetland pony than a big half-Morgan. And his coat is as woolly as a bear's. But thirteen-year-old Sarah loves him to pieces. Caring for him while his owner, Missy, was away at college took work, but eventually, she and the gelding bonded. Now Sarah's folks have promised her a horse of her very own. But Sarah's dad is writing his second novel, her mom is busy tutoring, and Sarah's best friend, Jill, is stuck babysitting. Facing a long, boring summer, Sarah is thrilled when Missy volunteers to help her look for her dream horse. Sarah wants a Morgan just like Barney. Eventually, she narrows it down to two: powerful, spirited Roy or lovable old Thunder, who's bound for the auction block if nobody buys him. Which one should...

Named to the Bluebonnet Award and Mark Twain Award Master Lists: Cole isn't happy about his great-uncle coming to live with his family . . . until Daney's in danger of losing his beloved horseCole Tatro has never met his great-uncle Daney. But after he's injured in a logging accident, he comes to live with Cole's family on their Vermont farm. Cole isn't sure how he's going to feel about having a stranger around all the time. Then he meets Daney's horse, Nip. A big red workhorse with a tousled blond mane and a sleepy face, Nip is the pride of Daney's life. Except Daney no longer has a job. Cole's parents work hard—his dad at a paper mill and his mom sewing doll dresses at a local factory—but they aren't sure they have the money to take care of Nip. That's when Daney comes up with the perfect solution. But he'll need Cole's help to carry it out. Uncle Daney's Way is a story of grit, determination, and one family's ingenuity...

A Golden Kite Honor Book: A boy grieving the loss of his dog meets a man who can transform the lives of animals—and peopleChad Holloway feels estranged from his entire family. His tantrum-throwing older sister, Julia, and baby brother, Sky, drive him crazy. His parents don't understand him at all. And ever since his grandfather shot Chad's dog Shep, they haven't been speaking to each other, even though Jeep says it was a mercy killing. Queenie, the new puppy Jeep bought to make amends, will never replace Shep. Not even close. Chad has no idea how he's going to get through this summer. Then he meets his new neighbor. David Burton is a shaper—a dog trainer who changes animals' behavior using positive reinforcement. He hires Chad as his assistant and suddenly, things start to happen. Chad uses Queenie as a guinea pig to try out David's techniques. Except Chad starts to feel like he's the one being shaped. And he really likes David's daughter...

Named to the West Virginia Children's Book Award Master List: In the first horse show with her new mare, Lily competes against her best friend for the blue ribbon Today's the big day. Lily and her horse, Beware, are going to compete in the junior horse show. Lily's best friend, Mandy, is also in the competition, riding her horse, Shane. When Lily and her mother and grandfather arrive, Mandy looks so grown up, like a rider in a magazine. And with his shining copper coat, Shane looks just like a show horse. Worried that Beware looks shaggy next to Shane, Lily brushes her until she's sleek and polished. Then it's time for Lily to get ready. She puts on her breeches and boots and tries to remember everything her grandfather taught her about riding. Will Lily and Beware walk away with the blue? And will Lily and Mandy still be best friends when it's over?