2.75 stars.
I have read a few quite of children`s horse books through my years. I was a very horse interested child and I like them still, and still really like some of the books. But this book was not for me Charley was a very sad child, she was having much trouble with bullies at camp, her parents divorcing and being at camp; learning to drive a horse and get to know them. I had hoped this was going to be a fun book about summer, camp, and horses… but she struggled so much and were so sad. I did not get the feel of the fun and happy camp time.

I would like to thank Laughing Dog Press and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book which was a real favorite to read.

We find Charley who at eleven years old loves horses and she dreams of knowing how to ride them. Except that her parents are getting divorced and they plan to send her to a riding camp for the summer. She wanted to stay at home all summer, so she went to this summer camp, how could she resist learning how to ride a horse and make friends.

Except that everything doesn't go as planned from the first day at Secret Lake, she will feel like a stranger, she meets a grumpy horse who ignores her, as for the riding lessons it's the worst and Jane wants her skin.

How will young Charley survive for two months in this camp?

A book read in one sitting, I was so hooked on the story that it was so gripping, addictive, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I love the author's writing.

I love any book that can transport me back to the carefree days of summer camp in the California mountains! Ah the good ol' days of campfires, mess hall shenanigans and midnight cabin raids on boy's hill--such fun! Unfortunately this book didn't conjure up all of those great memories because poor Charlie didn't have much fun outside of her horse-driving lessons. I was hoping she'd get into the camp groove and bond with some friends (that's the best part!) and partake in all the silliness that goes down at camp. Basically, all work and no play makes Charley a sad girl. I truly felt for her, especially since I too escaped all the turmoil at home while away at camp. It would've been great if she experienced more high points throughout the book and lightened up a bit. It's great that she was taken in the wing of Ethyl, a nice old lady who runs the horse boarding stables, but she didn't really get to experience all of the fun, goofy camp things things. Also, I'm confused about the time era. All of the characters have old school names like Nancy and Jane, and they don't talk in the modern, maddening Generation Y (or is it Z?) vernacular with all the "likes' and "literallys." I can't even recall if there was a mentioning of cell phones. That said, I'm not sure if this story is relatable to middle grade readers. It's stated in the opening pages that this book was released in 2020, but the first edition was in 1959, so I'm thoroughly confused. Long story short, I think this book may appeal to horse enthusiasts because there's a lot of technical descriptions of gear and riding logistics. But for those of us who just want some good ol' summertime fun nostalgia, I suggest looking elsewhere.

Nice book. Easy to read and well written. I ready to my children and they loved it. I would buy this book myself

Charley’s Horse is just the type of story I read when I was in elementary school and junior high. As a horse obsessed girl I loved reading any story about horses. Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry was definitely a favorite and I still hope to get out to Chincoteague and Assateague to see the ponies. I read all the Black Stallion books and of course Black Beauty. Justin Morgan Had a Horse is a favorite movie of mine so I was thrilled that Cricker/Promise is a black Morgan. I have driven a horse as well as ridden so I understand many of Charley’s feelings.

Horses are massive animals but they can be dangerous by their sheer size but to have a special connection with one is magical. It won’t happen with every horse especially one like Firefly who is used to babysitting non-riders. Charley faces many challenges that are not uncommon for kids that go away to camp or even when starting school. It’s hard to adapt and connect with so many different personalities. It’s makes it harder when things don’t live up to your expectations but those are the times that the experiences can be the most rewarding.

The summer at camp is a journey for Charley as she learns about herself and others. Sometimes things aren’t always what they same and a little digging will uncover treasure.

At the risk of dating myself, this book reminded me of one by Ellen Conford, Hail, Hail, Camp Timberwood.

This is a well written book that will appeal to horse lovers of all ages. It deals with Charley's pain of her parents divorce, being bullied at camp and how happiness can be found in unexpected places. It was a wonderful story and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to see what Judith Shaw writes next. Thank you Girl Friday Productions-Laughing Dog Press via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Be careful what you wish for”. Eleven-year-old Charley (never Charlene!) is fascinated by horses. She reads and re-reads horse books, and dreams of having a “horse friend” to love someday. That day arrives as a result of some serious problems within her family. Within days of her parents announcing their intent to divorce, Charley is shipped off to a summer riding camp. A dream come true? Hardly that! The camp is one for experienced riders, and not only has Charley never ridden a horse, she’s actually never even been near one! To make matters worse, a posse of mean girls set out to make her life miserable from the start.
Although her riding experiences turn out very differently from what she expected, Charley learns to accept things the way they are with the help of the camp counselors and the two cabin mates that befriend her. She learns to take pride in the sport she excels at, canoeing, and gains confidence in her riding abilities by learning to accept assistance..
One thing that really stood out to me was the time setting, 1959. Although I grew up later in the ‘70’s, Charley’s world was very similar to mine. No cell phones or electronic devices of any kind were present, and her time was spent reading as many books as she could. Also, Charley makes a comment upon finding out about her parents’ impending divorce, that she doesn’t know any other kids with divorced parents. Ah, the way things “used to be”.
I would recommend this to middle-grade readers, and horse-lovers of all ages!
**Thank you, Netgalley, for approving my request for this book.**

A sweet read about a girl going through a changing family situation so what's the solution, they send her and her brother away to separate summer camps. For Charley that is the first time at a horse camp and all that comes along with it. The book had a few issues i felt with the story narrative, but overall a good kids read.
Definitely a book that I would buy for my niece who loves horses.
Thanks for my ARC NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book. This isn't the first YA book I've read about a girl going to an American summer camp that teaches riding. But it is one of the very few books I've read about someone learning to drive a horse. And the others were either historicals or sulky racing stories.

Charley is upset when her parents say they are getting a divorce. Her brother suggests that as they are both being packed off to summer camp to get them out of the way - I've read that before too - Charley should learn to ride, since she loves horses. She reluctantly complies and ends up riding a thirty-year old flea-bitten grey, not knowing anything. Every other girl can ride. Unfortunately Charley was expecting to get started on a pony and doesn't get on well with a full-size horse. Some other girls sneer at her and she's upset, which I've read before, so she runs off and meets the lonely black horse on its own in a field - I've read that trope before too.

From then on the book takes on its own life and becomes much more interesting. We learn about kayaking as well as equestrian issues. We see reasons why characters behave as they do. We see that parents do care for kids.

A couple of issues:
A girl who loves horses doesn't smash up her china horses.
A girl who loves horses doesn't hesitate to go with someone else who is learning to ride, even if she can't afford to ride. She just wants to be around horses and learn.
The protagonist is self obsessed and never asks if there is anything she can do to help her brother.
Why would the instructor not hold a horse still, while the pupil mounts for the first time ever?
There has been no film made of 'The Black Stallion And Satan'. I googled it right away when I read the line, because I wanted to watch it. No. Just the three films and a spinoff TV series.

I would read more books by this author, and recommend the read for girls from eleven to sixteen, or horse lovers of any age. I downloaded an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.

This book is a dream come true. A "summer horse" of your own, living in a cabin, canoeing, and more - what's not to like? Except...Charley did not plan on spending the summer at camp. When her parents announce that they are getting a divorce and Charley and her brother will be going to camp, Charley only agrees to go when her brother talks her parents into sending her to a horse camp. Charley arrives at camp, only to discover that her dream of life at camp and the actual camp situation don't exactly mesh.

This is a sweet book that takes a compassionate look at a girl grieving the divorce of her parents and trying to adjust to a camp that didn't turn out as planned. Anyone who has experienced divorce will be able to relate to the array of emotions that plague the protagonist. This story delves into the heart of Charley who begins to learn about herself, the world around her, and the feelings of other people. It's not just about horses. The reader meanders through many twists and turns and vicariously experiences finding joy in unexpected places.

So.....does Charley survive the summer at camp? Does the summer end up being a dream come true? You will have to read the book to find out! This book will appeal to girls who love horses and will also be a comfort to children who have experienced divorce in knowing that they are not alone.

What a wonderful book!
I was thrilled beyond belief when I seen this book!
I always love a new horse book when I see one!
This is this author's debut novel and I loved everybit of it. I didn't want it to end
When I met Charley I knew the minute I met her she was someone I could love right away.
I wasn't disappointed!
My favorite part of the book is when she's narrating her own story. I even connected with her too!
Because in a way I felt like I was reading a story of my own growing up years.
Like Charley I'm an avid horse lover and collector
I also love to read and draw them from my heart.
Like Charley I was in shock when I came face to face with one but unlike Charley I was in love immediately.
I also loved Charley because my nickname is Charlie. It's what my mom used to call me whenever she either got mad at me or just wanted to say it. Most of the time it's when she got mad at me. I have no idea where she got it from either.
I was around horses all of my life but I never owned one. They are such beautiful animals. Sometimes they can even take your breath away!
I honestly can't tell you where my love of horses came from but it just happened one day.
I think the one thing I loved were the lessons that Charley learned along the way. I cheered and even egged her on at times too!
Life is like a box of chocolates you never what you're going to get. In other words life is always changing. We never know what the next year, month, or what each day will bring. I was glad to get to know Charley and her friends.
There's this other person in the story that didn't like at first but as I kept reading the book I seen why she was the way she is. I guess people just handles life differently.
There were certain places in the book that I sniffled. It even made me snicker through a few places.
A delightful read that I couldn't put down. And Charley's still making me think about her long after her story is finished.
I highly recommend this book. Horse lovers off all ages is sure to enjoy this book like I did.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.