(4) 4-6 Five preteens from diverse backgrounds train together at a local gym to prepare for a televised junior ninja competition in this high-interest series-starter. The stock characters are nevertheless relatable, and the brief backstories provided are intriguing. Details of the athletic competition keep the action rocketing forward, and the ending sets up forthcoming volumes. An interview with real-life American Ninja Warrior star Allyssa Beird adds authenticity and appeal.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Grace Lee. This companion picture book for the Disney television movie introduces Princess Elena, the rightful heir to the kingdom of Avalor, who is trapped in heroine Princess Sofia's Amulet of Avalor. With help from their families and friends, the two princesses defeat the evil sorceress Shuriki. The stereotypical Disney plot line, buoyed by diverse characters, includes magically derived solutions and is illustrated by the company's signature cartoon art.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. Competitive Haley is super-prepared for her first recognized eventing competition on Wings, her Chincoteague pony. But on the big day, she falls off and is disqualified. Will Haley be able to redeem herself at the next show? Authentic horse-related details give this earnest self-actualization story polish, while Haley's online community, the "Pony Post," helps her gain perspective on her competitive nature. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. In Moonlight, Nina believes a ghost is causing bad luck for her and her pony, Breezy. In Gift, Maddie worries she'll lose her pony, Cloudy, if her mother gets transferred to London. Both girls find support from their online "Pony Post" friends. Age-appropriate family, friendship, and horse concerns drive the mild plots, while backstory and "Pony Post" messages thread the series together. Glos. Review covers these Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague titles: Moonlight Mile and A Winning Gift.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 1-3 Horse Diaries series. Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. Rescued from a fire by traveling-circus girl May, Luna the Friesian horse is given to May as a reward. Luna helps May overcome her mobility impairment so she can perform in the circus like her sister. Although this installment's setting (1855 Netherlands) is less fully realized than other books in the series, Luna's gentle narration and the strong horse-human bond will move readers. Background information is appended.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. In Moonlight, Nina believes a ghost is causing bad luck for her and her pony, Breezy. In Gift, Maddie worries she'll lose her pony, Cloudy, if her mother gets transferred to London. Both girls find support from their online "Pony Post" friends. Age-appropriate family, friendship, and horse concerns drive the mild plots, while backstory and "Pony Post" messages thread the series together. Glos. Review covers these Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague titles: Moonlight Mile and A Winning Gift.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 1-3 Horse Diaries series. Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. Jingle, a Clydesdale working in 1915 Wisconsin, has a special bond with his human girl, Kari. On Christmas Eve, the family's newfangled Model T slides into a snow bank, and it's Jingle and Kari to the rescue. Details about Jul (Norwegian Christmas season) and the transition to cars embellish this sweet horse's-eye-view tale. An appendix includes information on Clydesdales and the setting as well as activities.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. Haley's working herself ragged trying to earn enough money to take Wings, her Chincoteague pony, to a clinic run by world-class eventing champion Zina Charles, but her school friends keep sidetracking her with parties and dances. Haley's online-Chincoteague-pony-club friends help when an emergency intervenes. Though the conflict lacks believability, young equestrians will love the eventing action and Haley's commitment to riding.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. Maddie is afraid her stable will sell her beloved Cloudy back to his neglectful former owners (Dream). Brooke and Foxy feel out of place at a rich summer riding camp (Summer). In both books, fellow members of an online Chincoteague pony club offer support. Mild conflicts and abundant subplots and backstories give these horse-centric middle-grade reads plenty of texture. Review covers these Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague titles: Blue Ribbon Summer and Maddie's Dream.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague series. Maddie is afraid her stable will sell her beloved Cloudy back to his neglectful former owners (Dream). Brooke and Foxy feel out of place at a rich summer riding camp (Summer). In both books, fellow members of an online Chincoteague pony club offer support. Mild conflicts and abundant subplots and backstories give these horse-centric middle-grade reads plenty of texture. Review covers these Marguerite Henry's Ponies of Chincoteague titles: Blue Ribbon Summer and Maddie's Dream.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. Meg is excited for her first camping trip, but it isn't quite what she expects: she has a difficult time putting up a tent and realizes she should have packed bug spray and a flashlight. Luckily, the other Pony Scouts are there to help her out. The book's natural pace, gentle humor, and sunny illustrations will appeal to beginning readers.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao. Lindy Michaels is not happy about moving from Chicago to her family's new oceanfront home in South Carolina. But when she helps save mermaids Sealily and Coral during a bad rainstorm, her attitude changes. Later the mermaids return the favor, sealing the trio's new friendship. This fantastical chapter book includes a nice mix of humor and action paired with cheerful black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. The Pony Scouts are all excited about the farm's newest pony, Taffy, and Jill can't wait to help train him. After a few frustrating moments, she learns that a little patience can make all the difference. The short, accessible sentences are perfect for equine-loving kids looking to strengthen their reading skills, and the friendly, earth-toned illustrations capture the stable setting. Glos.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. While helping Jill's mom prepare for the driving class competition at the fair, the Pony Scouts meet a boy who boasts that his ponies will take first place (Ribbon); the Scouts help run a pony party for a birthday girl who's a bit reluctant to ride (Party). The books' gentle humor, sunny illustrations, and high-interest subject matter will appeal to many practicing readers. Glos. Review covers these I Can Read Book titles: Pony Scouts: Blue Ribbon Day and Pony Scouts: Pony Party.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. While helping Jill's mom prepare for the driving class competition at the fair, the Pony Scouts meet a boy who boasts that his ponies will take first place (Ribbon); the Scouts help run a pony party for a birthday girl who's a bit reluctant to ride (Party). The books' gentle humor, sunny illustrations, and high-interest subject matter will appeal to many practicing readers. Glos. Review covers these I Can Read Book titles: Pony Scouts: Blue Ribbon Day and Pony Scouts: Pony Party.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. Meg, Jill, and Annie--the "Pony Scouts"--have fun with the ponies on Jill's farm. But Meg keeps managing to get the girls into trouble: forgetting to latch frisky pony Sparkle's stall and encouraging her friends to take a trail ride without permission. Simple stories, jovial illustrations, and the attention-grabbing subject matter will draw new readers in. Glos. Review covers these I Can Read Book titles: Pony Scouts: Runaway Ponies! and Pony Scouts: The Trail Ride.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. Meg, Jill, and Annie--the "Pony Scouts"--have fun with the ponies on Jill's farm. But Meg keeps managing to get the girls into trouble: forgetting to latch frisky pony Sparkle's stall and encouraging her friends to take a trail ride without permission. Simple stories, jovial illustrations, and the attention-grabbing subject matter will draw new readers in. Glos. Review covers these I Can Read Book titles: Pony Scouts: Runaway Ponies! and Pony Scouts: The Trail Ride.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) YA At their high-powered show barn, Tommi strives to prove that her bona fides go beyond her dad's money; shy working student Kate tries to ignore rich-boy Fitz's tomcat moves; and famous, bratty Zara won't admit she wants to fit in. Shallow characters drift through directionless scenes without developing any depth, but Gossip Girl fans will enjoy the vicarious wealth and horses.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. When the Pony Scouts, Meg, Jill, and Annie, go to the stable for a riding lesson, Annie falls off and is afraid to remount. Thinking about Surprise, the foal the Pony Scouts discovered in a previous volume, inspires her to try again. Simple sentences with generous leading, breezy cartoon illustrations, and spot-on horse-loving details make this perfect for equestrian early readers.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Anne Kennedy. Pony Scouts Meg, Annie, and Jill, go to a horse show where Jill competes against a girl in fancy riding clothes on a fancy bay pony. While going over poles the bay pony gets scared, but Jill's pony, Apples, takes it in stride. Friendship and good sportsmanship mark this naturally paced easy reader, which is supported by cheery illustrations. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam