Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home
by Susan K. Marlow
Published by Kregel Publications
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Reviewed by Sheryl Root
Lately, twelve-year-old Andi Carter seems to have a knack for getting into trouble. She never means to be a problem, but there are just so many interesting things to do on her family’s California ranch, like watching the new broncos being broken in, that she often gets distracted from her chores. It doesn’t seem fair that her family is always upset with her about this.
Andi decides that her family would be better off without her, so early one morning she saddles up her horse, Taffy, and runs away from home. However, if Andi thought life on the road would be easier than life at home, she quickly learns differently. After a horse thief attacks Andi and steals Taffy, she is found by a kind Mexican immigrant family who takes her under their wing. While they want to take her back home, Andi refuses to go until she gets Taffy back. They reluctantly agree to let her travel with them and try to find Taffy as they look for work. Andi soon realizes just how protected her life has been. Will she ever be able to find Taffy and go back home?
Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home is the first in a series of “tween” books by Susan K. Marlow. Set in 1880s California, Andi Carter is a feisty, likable tomboy who gets into enough scrapes that she should appeal to both male and female readers. History, such as the treatment of immigrants and the details of daily life on a ranch, is blended into the story in an entertaining way. The moral values are clear, but not preachy.
Armchair Interviews says: A good start to an enjoyable new series.