Shelby’s Season of Surprise by Marty Kay Jones

When her parents’ jobs take them to a new small town in a rural area, Shelby’s life changes forever. Not only does she have to get used to a new way of life, but her parents have treated her to riding lessons at one of the best barns around.

Starting something new is scary, so Shelby has her hands full with a brand new activity, new friends, and a new school. While she experiences many challenges, Shelby discovers two very important things: Not only does she love horses just as much as she thought she would, but she’s found the best friends possible along the way.

Join Shelby and her friends Katherine, Rose, and Agate as they navigate pre-teen friendship and the challenges of riding. Share in their tears and triumphs as they learn about horses, friendships, and being a good friend.

This book is perfect for:

• Girls ages 9-12
• Young readers who have experienced moving to a new home, making new friends, and feeling awkward in new places
• Readers who love horses and want to learn more about them
• Aspiring horseback riders and those who want to try horseback riding lessons
• Parents who have children who are obsessed with horses
• Teachers looking for materials that deal with sensitive emotional issues
• Families of young readers who are experiencing anxiety over a change

Girls love these books because:

• They are filled with horse-y facts and adventures, putting them right in the center of the action
• The warm tales inspire confidence in those who are having a difficult time with changes in their world
• The characters experience– and work through– many of the complicated emotions that come with growing up today

"I had an excellent time reading Horse Girl. It was engaging with great characters, fun dialogue, and good pacing. I appreciated that this story navigated some of the confusing struggles girls experience at this age, and I thought that the connection and friendship between the girls was a shining star. It illustrates a true appreciation for horses, and it spoke to my horse-loving heart!" - Emily, grant writer for community nonprofits

"I beta-read this book and honestly enjoyed it. It made me nostalgic for reading books like Pony Pals when I was younger. I would highly recommend this for tweens who are into horses. The characters are relatable and sweet, the plot is fun, and there are a lot of positive messages."- Molly, teacher

"I had the opportunity to be a beta reader for this book. I found the characters and story to be genuine and relatable. If your girl loves horses, I think she’ll like this book. I know I would have as a tween." -Pam, Editor
For young readers, pre-teens, tweens, and teens, the Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales are not just warm-hearted stories about girls and their horses, but provide information and insight about horses and the world of riding.

This is the fourth book in the The Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales Series.