Horse Trouble - by Kristin Varner (Paperback)

About the Book

There's nothing Kate loves more than being around horses. But her best friend is allergic to them, so Kate has to take riding lessons without her. Kate's forced to navigate some of life's hardships--like the mean girls at the stable who tease her and her body insecurities--all on her own. To make matters worse, Kate is continually falling off her horse. To Kate, her tween years feel like one unfair punishment after another. Can she get over it all...and get back on her horse?

Book Synopsis

An American Library Association 2021 Best Graphic Novel for Children

Twelve-year-old Kate is laser-focused on her one true passion: horseback riding. But try as she might, she can't hide from life's problems in the stable.

There's nothing Kate loves more than being around horses. But her best friend is allergic to them, so Kate has to take riding lessons without her. Kate's forced to navigate some of life's hardships--like the mean girls at the stable who tease her and her body insecurities--all on her own. To make matters worse, Kate is continually falling off her horse. To Kate, her tween years feel like one unfair punishment after another. Can she get over it all...and get back on her horse?

Horse Trouble, the debut graphic novel from children's book artist Kristin Varner, is an oh-so-relatable graphic novel with humor and heart.

Review Quotes

"Kate's first-person narration imbues a matter-of-fact tone, matched by panels--sketched in blue pencil and digitally inked--that carefully detail expressive Kate's ups, downs, and in-betweens."--Publishers Weekly

-"Although horses are Kate's 'thing, ' readers don't need to be horse lovers to empathize with her self-consciousness and growing self-confidence."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Kristin Varner is an author/illustrator based in Seattle, Washington. Kristin received her degree in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design and has created art for children's books, magazines, games, apparel, and toys. Horse Trouble is her debut title as an author and graphic novelist.