• Age: 10 to 13
• Grade: 4 to 8
• Reading age: 7 to 10

When 13-year old Gillian starts riding at the Maple Ridge stable in British Columbia, the other girls already consider her an old lady. Most of them have been riding for years and are too proud to help a newcomer.

Most, that is, except Carley Mackenzie, who thinks Gillian is a natural rider. Gillian would like to think so, but she gets so nervous around the big, heavy horses that its impossible to find the confidence needed to succeed in competition. Together with Gillian's gentle horse Hawkeye, however, Carley teaches her to trust the animals--and to trust herself.

Riding Scared is the story of how patience, understanding, and an exceptional horse teach a young woman to have confidence in herself.

Marion Crook has written many books for young adult and middle readers. Here, she offers advice on writing, publishing and marketing. Crook’s background in child development education as a nurse and her PhD in education giver her solid knowledge, but she maintains that a keen observation of people, places and events can be the author’s most useful tool. An experienced teacher and writer, she gives her readers clear and practical tips, with humor and understanding of what it’s like to write and publish.

Marion Crook's profile page

• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection

"The plot includes many day-to-day details--practising for, getting to and competing in show jumping competitions.... this is a good book for horse lovers intimidated by the length of most other horsey stories."

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