A fun graphic novel following Nora as her family moves and she has to start at a new barn. But as the only black kid in town, will Nora be able to make new friends? She has to learn to keep her eyes up, both in the ring and out.

Horse lovers will enjoy the instructional panels as well as the not-a-mule jokes.

Prize-winning horseback rider Nora is devastated to leave her close-knit riding community behind when her family moves to a rural area. Creaky Acres, the new barn where her horse Hay Fever will be boarding and she’ll be training, is run down in comparison to the suburban barn where she had trained before—and has a host of other animals in residence, too. Even worse, the owner doesn’t believe in competitions. Things aren’t going well at her new school either, where she’s the only Black student and faces daily microaggressions from students and teachers. After Nora stands up for one of the other riders at her new barn when she sees her being bullied at school, they begin to form a real friendship and Nora warms to her new environment, eventually finding a way to feel at home in a new place.
Nora demonstrates growth throughout the book, both as a rider and as a person, realizing that first impressions don’t always show how things really are and showing that she can be a leader. The illustrations in the graphic novel give the characters, including the menagerie of animals residing at Creaky Acres, their own distinct personalities and add to the narrative. Fans of animal stories and realistic fiction focusing on friendship will enjoy this one.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Kokila, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this wonderful book. This is a beautifully written and illustrated story about friendship, self-esteem, adapting to change, and, of course, horses. Can’t wait to share this book with my students and am looking forward to more books from the Creaky Acres world focusing on each of the other characters.

This was such an adorable book! I love horses and this just made me so nostalgic. The characters were all great but I have to say I loved all of the personality that the horses (and cow) had. The little possum was so cute too. If I could go back and reread this for the first time again, I would. I think that this is a book that everyone should check out!

4.5 stars!!
Creaky Acres is fantastic! I can totally see more stories from each of the characters.
Friendships and trusting yourself are at the heart of this novel, mixed-in with the perfect amount of humor.
Graphic novel lovers will devour this one and ask for more!

A lovely graphic novel about horseback riding, friendship, and trusting oneself. The story focused on Nora’s transition to a new home, school, and barn. Being the new kid is tough, but the author also highlights microaggressions and challenges Nora faces as the only Black kid in the school and town. What I enjoyed about the story was seeing the blossoming friendships as well as Nora’s growth and confidence in herself.

When Nora’s mom got a new prestigious job in a poor area, Nora and her horse, Hay Fever have a lot of changes to get used to. Being the only black kid in her class, Nora has a hard time fitting in. A prize-winning equestrian, Nora looks forward to racing Hay Fever in her new town. Creaky Acres, however, don’t believe in eventing. There she meets Laura, Wilson, and Delores. Seeing an opportunity, she steps into her power as a leader with the ragtag band of riders. Will Nora learn what it really means to be a leader? Will she realize that winning isn’t everything?

The characters are authentic, likable, and easy to relate to. The plot is well written, but simplistic. Readers who like books about friendship, horses, and books about being the new kid will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where such books are popular. Gr 7 and up, 4 stars.