Shelby Becomes a Horse Girl
An Old Quarry Lake Farms Tale
by Marty Kay Jones
Shelby Simone is a regular city girl who is obsessed with horses. Even though she’s never really had a chance to spend time with horses, she’s been curious about all things horse since… forever!
When her parents’ jobs take her to a new small town in a rural area, Shelby’s life changes forever. Not only does she have to get used to a new way of life, but her parents have gifted her riding lessons at one of the best barns around.
Starting something new is scary, so Shelby has her hands full with a brand new activity, new friends, and a new school. While she experiences many challenges, Shelby discovers two very important things: Not only does she love horses just as much as she thought she would, but she’s found the best friends possible along the way.
“What a delightful collection of stories! Shelby is a relatable protagonist who works through challenges common to all preteens as she learns about what it takes to ride horses. As a reader, I enjoyed entering her world through the narration and her personal journal entries. Whether you know a lot or nothing about horses, you will find a friendly guide in this book. I have a newfound respect for equine endeavors. As a sixth-grade teacher, I look forward to adding this book to my classroom library” Megan Middle School Teacher
“I absolutely loved this book and think it would be perfect for my niece! I love the details and storyline of this book. I truly commend the author for providing children with a book that has such a positive influence and lessons to be learned. I definitely recommend this book!” Hannah Educator
Join the riders of Old Quarry Lake Farms as they spend their first summer together. Bonded by horses, locals Katherine and Rose are joined by Shelby, a newcomer from the city. Together, they’ll learn and grow in the sleepy town of Old Quarry Lake.
This book is perfect for:
- Girls ages 9-12
- Young readers who have experienced moving to a new home, making new friends, and feeling awkward in new places
- Readers who love horses and want to learn more about them
- Aspiring horseback riders and those who want to try horseback riding lessons
- Parents who have children who are obsessed with horses
- Teachers looking for materials that deal with sensitive emotional issues
- Families of young readers who are experiencing anxiety over a change
What makes the Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales so special:
- The diverse lineup of characters includes several races, body types, and capabilities
- The characters’ authentic voices help readers relate to their struggles and triumphs
- The emotions and experiences the characters share are familiar to many readers
- Challenging situations, including moving, trying new activities, getting along with new groups, body image issues, and bullying are discussed in a safe and comforting– yet highly realistic– manner
In this book, readers will:
- Learn it’s okay to be stressed, anxious, scared, or awkward sometimes–it’s all just a part of who we are as an individual.
- Meet a group of girls who are silly, kind-hearted, caring, completely imperfect, and crazy about horses!
- Understand how communication and honesty can bring people together in the best of ways.
- Discover horses and horseback riding through the eyes of a young girl trying it for the first time.
For young readers, pre-teens, tweens, and teens, the Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales are not just warm-hearted stories about girls and their horses, but provide information and insight about horses and the world of riding.
5 out of 5 fairies
A great collection of stories, showing personal growth, life lessons, and the power of friendship. Shelby’s life gets uprooted, and although things are off to a rocky start, she quickly makes friends. This contains the first four books in the series, so you can hop from one right into the next. Although they work fine as standalones, you’ll get to see how Shelby grows, and builds lasting friendships if you read them in order. I learned quite a bit about horses from reading these books, and I truly hope we get more adventures in the future!
Like Old Quarry Lake’s newest resident, Shelby Simone, author Marty Kay Jones grew up obsessed with horses. She also lived in the city and had to wait until her teen years to experience them for herself.
Today, Marty Kay Jones is still obsessed with horses, but now she gets to see them every day. She runs a small boarding stable in the Appalachian foothills and loves teaching new generations everything there is to know about horses.
Ms. Jones believes learning never stops and extends her equine knowledge to readers of the Old Quarry Lake Farms book series. While the books are written about 11-year-old Shelby Simone and her sixth-grade friends, readers of all ages will appreciate and identify with the challenges and triumphs that come with the major life changes Shelby experiences.
When not playing with her own horses, Chip and Mango, Ms. Jones can be found hiking with her Australian Sheep Dog Petey, tinkering around with her project hot rod, or curled up with a good mystery.
Shelby and the First Ride
Amazon | Goodreads
Shelby’s Horse-Filled Summer
Amazon | Goodreads
Shelby and the Back-to-School Blues
Amazon | Goodreads