Taking the Reins
#60 of 72 in Thoroughbred Series
on Goodreads (194)
What’s inside...
Christina loves being a jockey, but a heartbreaking accident at the Belmont track forces her to reconsider veterinary medicine. Working with a horse that has Charismatic's bloodlines reminds Christina of Charismatic's amazing story. It would feel pretty great to help horses in similar situations. Now that high school is behind them, will Christina and Melanie be able to make the right choices about their futures and still remain friends? They're out of school and Christina and Melanie are taking a year off to make some big decisions. Christina is torn between the exciting life of a jockey and working as a vet, helping the horses she loves. And then there is her horse, Wonder's Star. After all their hard work, can Christina really leave the track – and Star – behind? Melanie's future as a jockey seems clear. But her relationships with the people she loves – especially Christina – are less certain. Christina accuses her cousin of putting her career above everything – and everybody. How can Melanie prove that the people she loves comes first? Ages 9+
Discussion points
How does the main character's journey inspire you to face your own challenges?
What are some qualities you admire in the main character?
How did the friendships in the book change or grow from the beginning to the end?
What are some ways the characters in the book showed courage or compassion?
How would you have handled the situations faced by the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own impressions of the book, highlighting elements you found compelling or inspiring.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, and validate their thoughts and emotions.
Ask your child to relate the situations in the book to their own life experiences, fostering deeper personal connection.
Highlight key moments in the book where characters faced challenges or learned lessons to guide the discussion.
Allow the discussion to flow naturally, letting your child lead with their curiosity and observations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Taking the Reins' learns to care for a horse, illustrating the importance and rewards of being responsible.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like feeding a pet or keeping their room tidy, fostering a sense of accomplishment and reliability.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces various challenges but continues to strive towards her goals, showing the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to continue working towards their goals, whether in their studies, sports, or personal projects, even when they face obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly her horse, fostering a strong emotional bond.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings of friends and family in their daily interactions, which can lead to more harmonious relationships and better conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Taking the Reins' features moments where the protagonist must overcome her fears to achieve her goals, highlighting the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new activity or standing up for what's right, thereby building their confidence and character.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book shows how working together with others can lead to greater success, as seen when the main character collaborates with her peers in horse riding competitions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation and how teamwork can be applied in group projects at school or in sports teams to achieve better outcomes.