Racing Manhattan
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Sporting Stories Personal & Social Issues: Family Issues Animal Stories Family & Home Stories
Jay Barton has spent her life on the outside, being overlooked and mocked for her tomboy ways. All she wants to do is ride her favourite pony, which belongs to her much wealthier cousin. But then Jay shows a talent for winning the illegal pony races her uncle takes her to, and he starts to push her to take more and more risks. At 15, Jay decides to run away, to live the life of a stable hand.
Her fortunes are changed when she meets Manhattan: a pedigree grey racehorse who has used up all her chances and is now neglected and despised. Jay recognises a fellow misfit. She fights to give Manhattan one last opportunity to show she is the champion she was born to be. Together, they face a world of prejudice and cruelty and fight back the only way they know – by becoming the best.
Creators
Terence Blacker read English at Cambridge and worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer during the 1980s. He has written numerous books for adults, teens and young readers including the Ms Wiz series. He also writes for national newspapers, and is a regular broadcaster and performing musician. He lives in Norfolk.
Reviews
A beautiful story
C. J. Flood, author of Infinite Sky and Nightwanderers
A contemporary National Velvet, for fans of Lauren St John.
The Bookseller
Heroines don’t come much better than Jay Barton and the world of horse racing is brought so vividly to life that I swear my armchair galloped across the room while I was reading the climactic scene!
Martyn Bedford, Author
Exhilarating equine epic… With its inspirational message, and a plot that unfurls at a galloping pace, you’ll be rooting for Jay the whole way through, with your heart pounding as you will her to triumph over every setback.
Lovereading4Kids, June 2016 Book of the Month
A great read that younger, ambitious riders will be able to relate to.
Your Horse
Racing Manhattan is a compelling book in which the reader is immediately immersed in the tough, exciting world of racing… a joy to read
Haynet
I really liked this book as it’s about overcoming obstacles and not giving up, even when it’s difficult.
Horse & Countryside
A brilliant read. My favourite horsy read of the year so far. It’s one of those books that I want to read again, straightaway, so that I can enjoy the brilliant bits all over again.
Books and Mud blog
One of those special stories that keeps replaying in your mind… It rings with authenticity and is a great read for the younger teen.
The School Librarian