Excellent teen novel about being a jockey in England. Jay (Jasmine) leaves her life with her uncle, who had her riding in dodgy "pony" races so that he could win by gambling on her, to try being a real jockey in Newmarket, England's mecca for horse racing. Taken on as a stable "lad" (even the girl stablehands are called lads, although they are few and far between) in a small stable where the trainer's wife is secretly the brains behind the operation (again, a primarily male-dominated and often chauvinistic industry), Jay deals with bullying from the other lads, but stands up to them and gradually forms a bond with the barn's resident "bad" horse, the ornery misunderstood mare named Manhattan. Jay also becomes a reluctant spy for her uncle, who desperately needs insider tips to keep his gambling debts from burying him. Suspense builds as Jay becomes a better rider and is asked to ride Manhattan in races, but to use tactics she knows won't work on this particular horse. And how long can she keep up the spying before getting caught and ruining everything she's worked so hard for? Excellent horse book written by an amateur jockey who knows his way around horses and racing, so there are lots of good details about horse care and riding, and well-written race scenes. I especially liked the lack of a romantic subplot, which is often de rigueur in these kinds of books for girls, but not always what you want in a good horse novel. I read an ARC from the Early Reviewer program but I'd love to own the finished book! ( )

Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Good+
Recommended: Yes
Level: Middle and High School

In "Racing Manhattan" Jay is a young girl who loves to race ponies. She has a special way with them that helps the animals feel calm and allow them to trust her. When we first meet Jay, she is living with her uncle, step-aunt, and cousin after being orphaned after her mother's passing. When Jay hears her cousin say nasty things about her, Jay decides to leave their home, drop out of school, and go work at a stable in the city. While at this stable, Jay comes to love and earn the trust of a seemingly out-of-control horse named Manhattan. The workers at the stable say that Manhattan is not long for this world because she is not able to race due to her wild nature. Will Jay be able to save Manhattan and prove they are both worth keeping?

This work is a feel-good coming-of-age story about a young girl who comes to learn how she fits into the world around her. There is no strong language or graphic violence, making this book suitable for a younger audience, as well. Give this to readers who are interested in the world of horses and racing. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know anything about the racing environment in the United Kingdom or anywhere else for that matter so it was good to learn about it. I've always loved horses so even though I'm not into racing I enjoyed reading about them and their care. I loved the fact that there was a female protagonist and she had to fight her way through the male dominated culture of racing to prove herself. Jay was really lucky since she was given more than one second chance to reach her dream of becoming a jockey. She had so many obstacles in her way, her stubborn will to win, her conniving uncle, the male dominated Arabian culture. If you like strong female characters, this is a book for you. Recommended. ( )

Jay doesn't like school and her aunt and uncle are always complaining about having to care for her. She's not high maintenance but she's not one of their kids either. She loves her cousin but isn't sure about the parents. When she finds out that her uncle has plans for her, she runs away. She loves the ponies they have and race so she heads to a town that is full of stables and racing. Surely she can find a job there...

Candlewick Press and Library Thing sent me an ARC of this book to read for review (thank you). It will be published May 22nd.

Jay is young but she's a strong person. She's willing to work hard to meet her goals. Her mother died several years ago and she never knew her father but she just does the best she can. She has more of a conscience than her uncle and more morals than most of the stable men.

What she finds is no one wants her. She makes her pitch to the man who's known as "Magic" and his wife convinces him to put her on. She gets to help care for the horses. That's when she sees this very secure building that is locked up. There's a horse in there but it has a very bad reputation. She defies orders and goes in to meet the horse. The horse has been abused and is fearful. But Jay has her own soothing routines and knows how to develop trust.

This is the best part of the story. Everyone else thinks the mare is no good and ought to be put down. Jay manages to get her out of the cage and riding again. No one knows how far this is going to go but when you put a determined girl and a determined horse together, there's really no limit.

This was a very good read with lots of ups and downs. It was a pleasure to read. ( )

There is something to say for reading a book where you know there will be a happy ending with all loose ends tied up. Sometimes, that is exactly what I need out of a book. That is certainly what I got with Racing Manhattan. Jay, the main character, was a delight to read about- watching her grow throughout the book as she discovers herself and grows stronger in her convictions.

This is a classic coming of age novel and a tale of survival - not just for Jay, but for Manhattan, the mare, as well. For me, knowing nothing about racing, it was interesting to be cast into the heat of the racing world and learn about the politics behind it all.

This is a solid 4-star read for me, and a perfect fit for anyone wanting learn about the racing world and anyone who is looking for a light, happy read.

**Thank you to Candlewick Press for providing me a copy of Racing Manhattan in exchange for an honest review** ( )