About this item
In this coming-of-age story perfect for horse fans, twelve-year-old animal lover Joni clashes with her new neighbor and animal rights activist Chess. Their bumpy friendship reaches a crisis when Chess stages an impulsive animal rescue, and Joni must act fast to save the animals' lives.Shy Joni loves her family's Vermont sheep farm and her strong-willed horse, Archie. When ebullient Chess moves nearby, Joni is drawn to her big personality. However, Chess's opinions on animal rights, global warming, and responsible farming soon have Joni both questioning and defending her family's farm. But when Chess steals miniature horses from their neighbor to "rescue" them, Joni is challenged to find the courage to stand up to Chess. In this complex tale of bridging differences and finding your own voice, two friends nearly break their friendship before they can begin to rebuild it.
About the Author
Jessie Haas grew up on a small farm in Vermont. A horse-lover from birth, she read every horse book in all the local libraries, and having run out, realized that someone needed to write more. She sold a middle-grade horse story, Keeping Barney, to Greenwillow Books a month before graduating from Wellesley. Many more horse stories followed, for readers of all ages. A lifelong love of history led to more books, including two histories of her hometown, Westminster, Vt., and a world history told in poems about horses.As a Vermonter, Haas has always loved Morgan horses, and currently owns two beautiful mares, Robin and Martha. She lives with husband and fellow author Michael J. Daley in a tiny off-grid cabin they built themselves--36 years and counting. With Michael, she helps manage her parents' farm. She is also an environmental journalist writing for Green Energy Times, and participating in local environmental organizations.
