The Georges and the Jewels (2009) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“I am not a horse person at all, but I definitely liked this book . . . and learned a lot about horses! Horse lovers will gobble this book up. The depictions of junior high preteens (and their dramas) is spot-on. Very good literary quality.”

• Rated 5 stars

“ Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com

Abby is one busy seventh grader. Between school, church, and her family's ranch, there is little time for much else.

Abby can't remember much about her life before the horses that her family raise, train, and then sell. The mares are all named Jewel, and the geldings are called George. Her dad feels that if they each had individual names, it would seem like they are going to stay permanently.

Still, Abby can't help giving some of them special names.

Jack is an unexpected colt whose mother died shortly after his birth. Abby immediately feels a connection to him and wants to do all she can to ensure his survival. Then there's Ornery George, who just can't seem to be tamed. Abby's father doesn't understand her fears and wants her to show this horse who's the boss. With a stranger's help, can Abby make this horse into a gentle giant?

Each chapter in this novel features illustrations relating to horses. This was an excellent tale set in the 1960's. Anyone interested in horses and ranch life would enjoy it, and it's also appealing to others, as well. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“-O.H.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I think the Georges and the Jewels was a great book!! But I am a horse lover so this was a really good book.I have never found a book that I liked. So I am really glad I found this book!!!!!!!!!!! ”

• Rated 3 stars

“Horses, horses, horses and some middle school girl issues. Christian themes.”

• Rated 4 stars

“"Seventh-grader Abby Levitt grows up on her family's California horse ranch in the 1960s, learning to train the horses her father sells and trying to reconcile her strict religious upbringing with her own ideas about life."

What a great book for a girl crazy about horses. Storylines about Abby's older brother who quarreled with his father and left home, and an incident of bullying at school fit nicely with descriptions of her life with the horses she loves.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Really liked this book for younger middle school girls who still love horses more than boys.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I loved this book! It is all about horseback riding and how something that turned bad can still be good.”

• Rated 2 stars

“I think this will appeal to girls who love horse stories, but not sure if my elementary students will get the subplot of relationship with strict father, etc. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“I love this book! It's about a horse trainer with a daughter that likes horses. Their place will only name the girls George and the girls Jewel. The girl had to ride one of the Georges and he is very ornery and likes to buck her of.”