Horse Country

Welcome to Paradise Ranch, where everyone can get a second chance. Carolina Aguasvivas grew up on the newly renamed Paradise Ranch, which she knows down to every last pony. But, things are sure to change when the new owner's daughter, Chelsie Sánchez, sweeps in with an attitude and a feisty Thoroughbred named Velvet. The mare is skittish, headstrong - and Carolina is determined to ride her. Chelsie, who considers herself too good to clean stalls, certainly doesn't seem like a real horse girl. Somehow, she thinks the same of Carolina. But, Caro knows she's more worthy than Chelsie to help Velvet recover, and she's ready to prove it. The girls may discover they have more in common, than they think...including a passion for bringing the healing power of horses to every kid.

Carolina's hope of opening up Paradise Ranch to everyone is coming true: the Unbridled Dreams program is ready to welcome its first sponsored student! Gisella Bassi seems like the perfect fit, on paper, that is. When she arrives at Paradise Ranch, she's not as excited as everyone expects. She might even be... scared of the horses? But, if their first student isn't a success, there's no way the program will continue. Can Caro and her new friend, Chelsie, agree on how to rope Gisella in? Yamile (sha-MEE-lay)

Welcome back to Paradise Ranch, where everyone can get a second chance, in this third installment of the Horse Country series by Pura Belpré Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez. Carolina Aguasvivas knows just what to do with Paradise Ranch's new sponsored student, Rockwell Richards. He's clearly a perfect match for a gentle giant of a horse named Napoleon, as they both have mysterious pasts. Carolina can't wait to learn everything she can about the cute and thoughtful new boy...but Rockwell doesn't seem to appreciate her snooping -- or admiration. When the barn is threatened by local wildfires, can he and Caro put everything aside and help keep the horses safe? Praise for Horse Country #1: Can't Be Tamed: "The book's descriptions of ranch life are immersive and realistic. The thoughtful protagonist, who brings heartfelt passion and dedication to every aspect of caring for horses -- even the messiest parts -- will especially appeal to young animal lovers... An enjoyable read about horses, friendship, and second chances." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Wish Upon a Stray: "An entertaining and endearing tale of resilience in the face of change and loss as well as the opportunities that can come when challenges are met. A sweet tale of dealing with estrangement and finding belonging." -- Kirkus Reviews Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of Blizzard Besties, Random Acts of Kittens, Wish Upon a Stray, and many other books for young readers, including Furia, a Reese's YA Book Club selection and winner of a Pura Belpré YA Author Medal. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in Utah with her family. A Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she is also a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.

Pura Belpré Award winner Yamile Saied Méndez welcomes readers back to the ranch in the fourth installment of Horse Country! Carolina Aguasvivas's oldest friend, Vida Jones Castillo, has never been interested in riding horses -- until now! Carolina is thrilled for her BFF to join Paradise Ranch, along with new sponsorship student Brielle Stuart. The barn is a full, happy house! But the girls' perfect summer falls apart when they find out that one of the horses might be sold -- Carolina's favorite riding buddy, Shadow. Can Carolina and her friends save her beloved horse... and the future of the Unbridled Dreams program? Praise for Horse Country #1: Can't Be Tamed: "The book's descriptions of ranch life are immersive and realistic. The thoughtful protagonist, who brings heartfelt passion and dedication to every aspect of caring for horses -- even the messiest parts -- will especially appeal to young animal lovers... An enjoyable read about horses, friendship, and second chances." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Wish Upon a Stray: "An entertaining and endearing tale of resilience in the face of change and loss as well as the opportunities that can come when challenges are met. A sweet tale of dealing with estrangement and finding belonging." -- Kirkus Reviews Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of Blizzard Besties, Random Acts of Kittens, Wish Upon a Stray, and many other books for young readers, including Furia, a Reese's YA Book Club selection and winner of a Pura Belpré YA Author Medal. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in Utah with her family. A Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she is also a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.