Middle-Grade Books (Ages 9-13)

Thoroughbred Series

Thoroughbred Series

The Thoroughbred series, created by Joanna Campbell, begins with the first four books focusing on Ashleigh Griffen's deepening connection with a special filly named Wonder. Here's a summary of each: 1. A Horse Called Wonder Ashleigh Griffen's family relocates to...

Paint the Wind (Scholastic Gold)

Paint the Wind (Scholastic Gold)

Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a middle-grade novel about a young girl named Maya, who has lived a sheltered and strict life with her grandmother after the death of her parents. When circumstances force her to move to Wyoming to stay with her mother's side of the...

The Saddle Club Series

The Saddle Club Series

The Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant is a beloved middle-grade book series that follows three best friends—Carole Hanson, Stevie Lake, and Lisa Atwood—who bond over their shared love of horses at Pine Hollow Stables. Together, they navigate the challenges of horse...

Phantom Stallion Series

Phantom Stallion Series

The Phantom Stallion series by Terri Farley is an exciting middle-grade adventure series that follows 13-year-old Samantha Forster as she returns to her family’s Nevada ranch after spending two years in the city recovering from an accident. She is eager to reunite...

Canterwood Crest Series

Canterwood Crest Series

The Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart is a drama-filled middle-grade book series that follows Sasha Silver, a talented young equestrian, as she navigates life at the prestigious Canterwood Crest Academy. The elite boarding school is known for its competitive...

National Velvet

National Velvet

National Velvet by Enid Bagnold is a classic novel about a determined 14-year-old girl, Velvet Brown, who dreams of competing in the Grand National, one of the toughest horse races in England. When she wins a spirited horse named The Pie in a raffle, Velvet, with the...

Stormy, Misty’s Foal

Stormy, Misty’s Foal

Stormy, Misty’s Foal by Marguerite Henry is the sequel to Misty of Chincoteague and continues the story of Misty, the famous Chincoteague pony. The story takes place during the devastating Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, which threatens the island and its beloved wild...

The White Stallion

The White Stallion

The White Stallion by Elizabeth Shub is a historical fiction novel set during the Austrian War of Succession. The story follows a young girl named Gretchen, who dreams of owning a beautiful white Lipizzaner stallion like the ones from the Spanish Riding School in...

Black Stallion Series

Black Stallion Series

The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley is a thrilling collection of adventure novels that follow a young boy, Alec Ramsay, and his incredible bond with a wild, untamed Arabian stallion known as "the Black." The series begins when Alec and the Black survive a...

The Island Stallion

The Island Stallion

The Island Stallion by Walter Farley is an exciting adventure novel about a hidden paradise and a magnificent wild horse. The story follows Steve Duncan, a young horse lover, who discovers a secret island within the Caribbean. There, he finds a herd of horses led by a...

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry is a classic historical novel that tells the true story of the foundation sire of the Morgan horse breed. The story follows Joel Goss, a young boy in 18th-century Vermont, who helps care for a small but powerful colt named...

Brighty of the Grand Canyon

Brighty of the Grand Canyon

Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry is a beloved classic based on the true story of a wild burro who lived in the Grand Canyon. Brighty, a free-spirited and independent donkey, roams the canyon, befriending prospectors, park rangers, and tourists along the...

Black Beauty

Black Beauty

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is a classic novel that tells the life story of a horse named Black Beauty from his own perspective. Born on a peaceful farm, Beauty enjoys a kind upbringing, but as he is sold to different owners, he experiences both kindness and cruelty....

King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian

King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian

King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian by Marguerite Henry is a classic historical novel that tells the inspiring tale of Sham, a small but spirited Arabian horse who becomes the foundation of the Thoroughbred bloodline. Born in Morocco, Sham and his...

Ponies of Chincoteague Series

Ponies of Chincoteague Series

The Ponies of Chincoteague series by Catherine Hapka is a heartwarming collection of books that follow the adventures of young riders and their beloved Chincoteague ponies. Set on the famous island known for its wild pony herd, each book in the series features...

Horse Diaries Series

Horse Diaries Series

The Horse Diaries series is a collection of historical fiction books that tell the stories of various horses throughout history, each from the horse's point of view. Each book in the series features a different horse, from famous steeds like Alexander the Great’s...