Sweet, Tart

(Hardback)

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Description

After witnessing the tragic death of a racehorse, eleven-year-old Halle finds herself caring for the horses best friend, a grieving pony named Rocky. A heart-tugging story of patience, love, and hope.

Halle thinks starting sixth grade in a brand-new school might help her forget about what happened at the racetrack. But shes wrong. She cant sleep at night because when she closes her eyes, she sees the last moments of Carver Desprit, a horse who died the day Halle went to watch the races with her family. When Halle learns Carver came from nearby Oak Creek Stables, she is compelled to go there and learn more about him. The owner introduces her to Carvers best friend, a pony named Rocky. Rocky is standoffish at first, but as Halle cares for him, they both begin to open up. When Halle finds out that Oak Creek Stables is suddenly on the verge of being sold to a housing developer, she feels everything slipping out from under herwhat will happen to the horses, to Rocky, and to the memory of Carver Desprit This heartfelt story of loss and light follows Halle as she experiences the interconnectedness of endings and beginnings and learns that love still multiplies, even during grief.

Reviews

A mix of heartwarming hope and soul-gripping grief, Thoms narrative offers middle-grade readers emotional heft while still meeting them at their level and addressing questions they might have.
Booklist

I love this book for all sorts of reasons: drama without villains, friendship and sibling relationships that change and grow, beloved animals playing an important part in family and social life. Through it all, Halle learns about poetry and its power to open hearts and minds. Young readers will find a friend in Halle and cheer her on as she navigates sixth grade. Teachers will find a friend and mentor in Mrs. Delgado.
Helen Frost, author of Hidden and All He Knew

Sweet, Tart is a gift: the wonder of a soccer-playing pony, the longing for a true friend, the shock of an unexpected loss, and the sweetness of reconciliation. From start to finish, there is a poetry to how life itself unfolds in Halles world.
Gigi Amateau, award-winning author of the Horses of the Maury River Stables series

A sweet story of friendship, family, hope, and healing. I loved Halles relationship with her teacher, who helps her express her feelings through poetry, and Rocky, a special pony who shows her that patience and kindness (as well as SweeTarts) are the keys to true friendship.
Jo Knowles, author of Someones Gonna End Up Crying

This is a story for those who love horses and poetry, or like Halle, are yet to discover the joy and love in both. Kara Thoms style of storytelling is immersive; you feel every heartache and celebrate every triumph. This debut novel feels like an instant classica story that brings you in and wraps around you like a warm hug, even as it explores lifes hardest lessons.
Nina Hamza, author of Ahmed Azizs Epic Year and Samiras Worst Best Summer

Author Bio

Kara Thom is the author of the Go! Go! Sports Girls series and the picture book See Mom Run, illustrated by Lilly Golden, as well as other books for adults. Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies. She lives with her family in Minnesota, where she is a substitute media specialist at her local school district and a bookseller at Excelsior Bay Books. This is her first middle-grade novel.