January 1, 2026 by Stone Arch Books
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Hannath Roth is spending the summer with her Aunt Susan and Uncle Dale, who run the Gentle Barn horse rescue. After a disastrous summer at a sleep away camp, Hannah's social anxiety has been so bad that she doesn't feel she can go back, which is why her two mothers have sent her to visit relatives. She is a bit apprehensive about hanging out with Kiera, who helps out at the farm in return for boarding her horse, Ranger, at the facility. Her single mother struggles to support the family by working double shifts at the Clam Shack. Hannah starts to realize that the rescue is having a lot of financial difficulties; the buildings are falling down, and the handyman and vet no longer will provide services because Uncle Dale hasn't paid their bills. Kiara is supportive and understanding of Hannah's anxiety, and is eager to help when Hannah decides that what the rescue needs it a social media presence that will go viral and raise funds. The posts raise a little bit of money, but Hannah's moms encourage her to be brave and post about how important the rescue is to her. It's hard, but with Kiara's help, she films a video. It goes viral, and enough money is raised to keep the rescue going. There is a glossary, notes on dealing with anxiety, and prompts for discussion and writing.
Strengths: At just 72 pages, this short book packs a big punch for younger readers. There's the malady du jour of 2025, social anxiety, realistic financial strain for an aid organization, and social media, which tweens seem to love. There are some illustrations that add to the appeal. This Tween Era series from Capstone also has Carlson's Playing Up and Deen's Crush It and The Makeup Cover-Up. I would definitely purchase this for an elementary school library.
Weaknesses: I always have a hard time buying that social media accounts can raise money, although they must from time to time. This is a short book, so things happen quickly; in real life, there would be a lot more nuance to saving a horse rescue organization from financial ruin!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want shorter titles like Gallagher's Monica series or Pla's Invisible Isabel, which also has an anxious character.
Weaknesses: I always have a hard time buying that social media accounts can raise money, although they must from time to time. This is a short book, so things happen quickly; in real life, there would be a lot more nuance to saving a horse rescue organization from financial ruin!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want shorter titles like Gallagher's Monica series or Pla's Invisible Isabel, which also has an anxious character.
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