Rebel of Dark Creek

Margaret Bunel Edwards is the author of The Ocean Between and The ABCs
of Writing for Children.

Jessa and her friend Cheryl are invited to a riding party by Rachel, a
wealthy classmate. Jessa would love to own a horse but must take lessons
on whichever one is available at the Equestrian Centre. Her mother, a
student accountant, offers to trade bookkeeping for a lease on a horse
named Rebel. One day, while trying to help Rachel, whose horse breaks
through a wooden bridge, Jessa is thrown over the railing and falls onto
the dry creek bed. She recovers from the injury sustained as a result of
her fall, continues to train Rebel for competition in the First Year
Classic, and wins three ribbons.

This upbeat story shows Jessa overcoming difficulties through a
combination of ingenuity and hard work. Background information on horse
training, riding, and competition will be welcomed particularly by young
people with a interest in horses. A promising beginning to a new series.
Recommended.