Anna L. (annalovesbooks) reviewed on 11/12/2007

ISBN 0590449656 - This isn't a "horse" book. And it isn't non-fiction, so don't read it expecting to get educated on the topic of horses, riding lessons or shows. It isn't, in the end, even about horses - like all the BSC books I've read, Mallory and the Dream Horse is about friendships and family, with a touch of problem-solving thrown in. If you're looking for information, look elsewhere.

That said, this is a nice story, told (mostly) in the first person by Mallory Pike. She and Jessi Ramsey are best friends and both horse crazy, so it's obvious that fate is on their side when a brochure from Kendallwood Farm arrives in the mail, advertising riding lessons. When Jessi's parents say no, Mallory's excitement makes her blind to her best friend's feelings. And, since it seems that Jessi doesn't care at all, Mallory doesn't talk to her when the lessons don't go all that well. Her classmates are snobby and "properly" dressed for riding, while Mallory doesn't own the right clothes AND ends up taking a fall in front of everyone!

In the meantime, the BSC is dealing with Nina, whose habit of taking her "Blankie" everywhere she goes is not helping her make friends as she begins school, and Mallory's younger siblings organize a neighborhood talent show.

I did find it weird when the book slipped out of the first person in two chapters, but other than that, I enjoyed it and I think BSC fans will, as well.

- AnnaLovesBooks

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