Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley makes a welcome foray into the teen lit field with this enchanting story of a young woman who wishes that all of her relationships could go as smoothly as her connection to the horses she trains. Abby’s father warns her not to get too attached to the horses, as they are meant to be sold. Even so, Abby feels way more comfortable with them than she does trying to find her place in the daunting social scene that is seventh grade. Abby figures out how to interact with most of the horses pretty quickly, but there is one, Ornery George, who resists Abby’s charms. Will Abby’s instincts show her the way to get through to George, and help her forge a connection with a classmate, as well?