There is no other way to describe this turn of events than as a ‘bomb’. Her friendship has broken to pieces, she and her mum, and their beloved dog Harvey, are moving away and Harper wonders can her life ever be rebuilt.
The new house in a new town is small and is tucked into a corner of a horse farm. Harper is hesitant around horses having had so little contact with them.
Both Harper and Phoenix begin their healing processes together, developing a deep bond as they face a new beginning and the challenges it brings. By helping Phoenix to recover, Harper is learning how to be bold and face the changes in her life and also try to resolve the hurt she still harbours towards her dad and best friend.
Bradley has created such beautiful moments in this book that will resonate not only with horse lovers but anyone who experiences changes in their families or friendship groups. Change can be intimidating but the characters Bradley has created to support Harper in her new life are so supportive, kind and forgiving it makes the story such a joy to read.
Phoenix is book one of the Ride On series, which no doubt will be relished by any horse lover who knows and understands the bond between horse and rider. But it is also a beautiful book that delves into broken families and friendships, facing new beginnings and challenges and gives the reader of sense of empowerment that you can be your own fearless leader in your life.
Highly recommended for readers aged 9 - 12.
Teacher notes available.
Title: Phoenix
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher: Text Publication, $17.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2026.
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781923058774
For ages: 9+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
The new house in a new town is small and is tucked into a corner of a horse farm. Harper is hesitant around horses having had so little contact with them.
Her first encounter with a horse proves to be positive and she spends many afternoons watching the young riders at the horse farm developing their skills and building rapport with their horses.
One day a very underfed and underweight horse is dumped at the farm whilst the owner is away. Harper needs only to look into the eyes of this sadly discarded animal and know she will do everything she can to save this horse.
Giving him the name Phoenix, with the hope he too can rise once again, Harper faithfully tends to him, never wanting to give in or believe he will not be hers to ride one day.
Both Harper and Phoenix begin their healing processes together, developing a deep bond as they face a new beginning and the challenges it brings. By helping Phoenix to recover, Harper is learning how to be bold and face the changes in her life and also try to resolve the hurt she still harbours towards her dad and best friend.
Bradley has created such beautiful moments in this book that will resonate not only with horse lovers but anyone who experiences changes in their families or friendship groups. Change can be intimidating but the characters Bradley has created to support Harper in her new life are so supportive, kind and forgiving it makes the story such a joy to read.
Phoenix is book one of the Ride On series, which no doubt will be relished by any horse lover who knows and understands the bond between horse and rider. But it is also a beautiful book that delves into broken families and friendships, facing new beginnings and challenges and gives the reader of sense of empowerment that you can be your own fearless leader in your life.
Highly recommended for readers aged 9 - 12.
Teacher notes available.
Title: Phoenix
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher: Text Publication, $17.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2026.
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781923058774
For ages: 9+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction