By: Robin Kolb
Format: Available in Paperback, ePub, and MOBI
Genre: Contemporary Horse Story
A True Bond
When almost 13-year-old Alex forms a true bond with a newborn colt, she secretly promises to make him her own. But like all horses born on her family’s Rosen Ranch, this colt is slated to be sold.
Alex thinks if she can prove herself a capable horse trainer, there might be a chance to keep the colt. But when her attempt to work with a spirited filly ends in disaster, her secret hope is shattered.
Now Alex must rebuild trust with her parents—and regain confidence in herself—before her dream horse gallops away forever.
Meet Robin Kolb,
the author of Galloping Away
wendyparciak –
Review of Galloping Away (Robin Kolb) by Wendy Parciak
When I was a kid, I loved nothing better than a good old-fashioned horse story – but after working my way through all the Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley books, I had trouble finding many more. It’s too bad Robin Kolb’s Galloping Away wasn’t available to me, because her writing easily matches that of the authors who wrote those classic horse stories. I would have read Galloping Away ten or more times, at least. And the best thing is that this book isn’t just for kids who adore horses, but for anyone who enjoys tales about kids and animals and the immense love they can have for one another.
From the very start, Galloping Away immersed me in the beauty and bustle of a hard-working Montana ranch. Kolb’s attention to every detail involving the horses is masterful. I never for one second doubted her expertise and knowledge of the intricate processes of foaling, grooming, and horse training. I didn’t merely read about Alex’s excitement at the birth of the new foal, but I became Alex. Right along with her, I yearned for her to be able to keep the colt. I felt anxious that she’d never find a way to persuade her parents that she deserved it. I basked in the pleasures of training with a friend, worried about the difficulties Alex had with her sister and classmate, and despaired when disaster struck and took Alex even farther from her goal. I emerged from the story feeling as though I, too, could live on the gorgeous Rosen Ranch and dream as big as Alex.
I’m not embarrassed to say that I teared up while reading this coming-of-age story. It is a joyful, wrenching, and heart-warming exploration of one girl’s discovery of what’s most important to her, and how she needs to grow to achieve that. And let’s not forget the horses. Throughout the story, I reveled in being surrounded by horses large and small, each one full of personality, whether boisterous, cantankerous, or steady and wise. The bonds Alex and her mother develop for these creatures come through loud and clear.
Congratulations, Robin Kolb, on writing such a wonderful book. It’s one that deserves to be read and cherished by kids, and remembered by them even when they’re grown.
Joann Howeth –
GALLOPING AWAY – review by Joann Howeth
Great storytelling from beginning to end! Robin handles her subject expertly; told from the POV of her main character, Alex, Robin has captured the teen voice perfectly. The portrayal of family relationships and sibling rivalry are spot on as Alex struggles with being the middle kid between an older sister and boisterous younger brother, and the depiction of Alex’s relationships at school and with friends realistically addresses the social situations middle schoolers daily encounter with their peers.
A master of her craft, Robin writes with great skill peppering her story with excellent pacing and tension that keeps the reader engaged and turning the page. Her writing is spare and fluid and filled with vivid descriptions and clever literary devices with horse-related references.
The plot is set in a rich landscape and the family’s circumstances of owning a horse ranch give the author plenty of room to educate her audience about aspects of handling and training horses without becoming pedantic. Her approach is subtle and cleverly woven into each chapter.
Best of all, the reader becomes very invested in Alex’s story. She wants so badly to prove herself and as the reader, you really want that for her, too. From beginning to end, a Galloping Good Read!
Suzanne Morrone –
Robin Kolb’s wonderful middle grade book, Galloping Away, is about wanting something more than you’ve ever wanted anything ever, and thinking you can’t have it.
Alex’s family supports itself, in part, by breeding and selling horses, but she falls in love with a newborn foal. How can she convince her parents to let her keep the foal, even though it means losing money? And worse, she’s at fault for injuring another valuable horse, proving she’s not worthy of their trust.
While this seems like a simple story of girl learning about herself, about what is most important to her, and how she needs to grow to achieve her dreams, to me it is deeply, fundamentally, about the mystery, beauty and heartache of love. It’s about a girl falling in love with a foal as it’s born. That instant love-at-first-sight connection that is powerful and life altering. And it’s about the complicated love in a family between parent and child, between siblings, and grandparents. Watching Alex learn about herself and how she also gains a greater understanding of her family members throughout the story deepens the message and experience.
The horses are as carefully drawn and as individual as the humans. Every detail is written with a masterful understanding of how to care for and train horses, not just any horse, but each particular and unique horse. Ranch life is also richly drawn, and the love of the land, the legacy, is felt in every description. It’s clear the author knows her subject intimately and thoroughly.
I highly recommend this book. Robin Kolb has created a world I want to stay in. I’m sure her readers will want to read this book again and again, as well, so they can spend more time with Alex, her dog, and the horses. And I hope she writes a sequel, because I only want to spend more time with Alex, and follow her on her journey as she continues to face new challenges.
Debbie Austin –
I highly recommend Galloping Away by Robin Kolb. I love characters I can really root for and the main character, Alex, is just that! The author has written her as a relatable almost thirteen-year-old navigating adolescence—sometimes awkward, unsure, and faltering but learning and growing into someone who knows what she wants and how to get there.
No plot spoilers here but suffice it to say that the author handles the plot with just the right amount of tension on the reins, allowing for very sweet moments between Alex and the horses (especially the colt Denver) while also driving the reader forward through missteps and near disaster to find out if Alex is going to fulfill her dream.
Family members and school friends round out the cast. The sulky older sister and the sometimes-annoying younger brother help create a realistic picture of Alex’s family life—something I’m sure many readers will relate to. Her parents are loving and supportive, and Alex has a very sweet relationship with her grandmother. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. There are plenty of nuances and tricky conversations to navigate here. I was touched by the relationship between Alex and her mother and the way their relationship grew throughout the book.
The author obviously knows her subject well, not glossing over the technical aspects of horseback riding but actually giving the reader a lesson in such a natural and engaging way. I had never seen that done before and it was fascinating.
There is beautiful writing throughout. I especially love the author’s use of horse characteristics to describe Alex’s emotions. One of my favorite lines: “The wild horses thrumming through my veins refused to be tamed. They tossed their manes and pranced with joy.”
What a delightful read! Galloping Away checked all the boxes for me. This will be my go-to gift for the middle-graders in my life.
suebeckhorn –
Ahhh! Galloping Away touched all the right chords in this grownup horse-loving gal’s heart, as I know it will for young teens. I found the bond between Alex and her old horse–as well as the the new foal, Denver, evocative of My Friend Flicka. The sweet, quirky, and realistic family, and Alex’s determination to work hard to win her dream made me think of National Velvet. Kolb’s sure writing, attention to detail, and strong sense of family values give the story heart as well as nurturing the thirsty souls of horse-addicts. A must read for girls who would rather smell like a horse barn than bubble bath.
Janet Zupan –
Galloping Away is set on the fictional Rosen family ranch in Montana. The plot concerns twelve-year old Alex, yearning to fledge, or to at least step closer to the edge of the nest. She strives toward a dream of earning the respect and trust to work alongside her mother, who is in charge of the horse operation. But a recent and serious mishap that Alex feels sure was her fault, has badly shaken her confidence. Still, she resolves to prove herself and bears up, even when her journey becomes uncertain and even risky.
There are moments in this novel that are so tenderly rendered that they take my breath away. In an early scene, Alex first meets the newly born colt, Denver, with whom she has an immediate and lasting bond. In the quiet of the stall, she inches closer to him. “I stroked his soft chin. Tiny puffs of air and delicate whiskers tickled my fingers and sent shivers up my arms . . . I saw my reflection shining in his eyes. Our breath mingled. I inhaled his sweet baby fragrance.”
This beloved colt lands at the center of Alex’s quest. A sweet and effective element of the novel is that several of the animals, in differing ways, play strong, supporting roles. Alex goes to the horses when she’s at her lowest, seeking comfort from those she’s been riding for years and those she’s just getting to know, like Denver. But other animals, too, have import. The ever-present pup, Rosie, puts out a reassuring paw when all seems lost. “Rosie stretched tall to tap my thigh with her nose then smiled at me, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth . . .Her bright eyes were trained on my face.”
Secondary characters are definitely a notable strength in GA. Alex’s mother is a fascinating example. She holds the key to Alex’s twin desires to keep Denver and to be taken more seriously. But Mom is an enigma! I worried along with Alex about what she was thinking, especially during highly-charged scenes. It isn’t until close to the end that she comes fully into the light. The same could be said for an antagonist, Emily, who has a minor role in the novel but who is fully drawn, complex and intriguing. The care that Kolb takes with every character deepens the story.
I’ve only been able to scratch the surface of all that I believe is amazing about Galloping Away. My bottom line is that this is a wonderful read, a hard-to-put down, coming of age story that I’ll share with my granddaughters, other children (of all ages) and recommend often in the years ahead. Bravo to Robin Kolb!
Heidi DeStefano –
This book is perfect for anyone who loves horses. Not only does it have a compelling plot, the author also has detailed insider knowledge of the horse-raising/training/showing world. Parents and young readers are certain to enjoy this heart-warming story of a contemporary ranch family.
kristinezim5 –
Reading Robin Kolb’s Galloping Away took me back to my childhood of riding horses! Robin has done an amazing job with this book. I loved following along with Alex‘s journey. The connection she had with her family and with the horses was so heartwarming. I felt like I was in the story cheering her on and wishing for her to be able to keep Denver! I would highly recommend this book to all young readers!
dasanders.is –
For every child (and grown-up) who loves and has dreamed of having their own, this is the book!
Galloping Away is a wonderful ride through the world of a working horse ranch. Robin Kolb has provided a story rich with horse knowledge and details as well the life of a hardworking family that loves horses and each other. The moment Alex witnesses her first foaling and locks eyes with that newborn foal, she knows they were meant to be together. But there are big obstacles to overcome if she wants to make the foal hers.
Alex must take on new responsibilities at the ranch and demonstrate she is ready to train her own horse. She must conquer old fears, find her own strength, and learn to speak up for herself.
I loved the family relationships, the passion for horses, and the growth of the characters. Galloping Away is well written and flows well from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing more from Robin Kolb in the future!
Talitha J Hart –
This story was engaging and relatable, with a heroine whose dream most young girls can relate to at one time or another. Alex’s struggles are very real and her triumphs are exhilarating. Her family and friends are well-rounded, and her responses to her world are wise and age-appropriate. I would highly recommend this book for horse lovers, or any young girl who has had a dream.
Betty Vanderwielen –
I love this book! So rich in the details of ranch life that I felt like I was standing next to Alex, experiencing the sights and sounds and horsey smells. This coming-of-age story is so compelling that I wanted Alex to have the colt Denver as her own horse almost as much as she herself did.
From the outset, her goal seemed impossible. Her family’s ranch depended on the sale of the horses they raised, and the cost of the colt would be in the thousands. How could a twelve-year-old girl ever raise that much money? But Alex’s focus on her goal never faltered, even when a serious mishap on her part resulted in her being denied access to Denver. With each setback, Alex always realized the way forward was to slowly earn back trust.
Author Robin Kolb’s own intimate knowledge of running a ranch, training horses (and riders), and preparing for show events infuses the story with authenticity and presents an opportunity for the reader to effortlessly learn more about ranching life. Her portrayal of the main character Alex at the awkward pre-teen age, bursting with aspirations but limited in ability, rings true and presents an admirable role model for young readers.
Jennifer Clower –
Galloping Away is a wonderful story about Alex, a soon-to-be 13-year-old girl and her life on her family’s Montana ranch. The story starts off with Alex falling in love with a newborn foal that she witnesses being born. This leads her on an adventure to find a way to keep the horse as her own, when the horses are typically sold from the ranch. She has a desire to prove herself worthy of her own horse. She learns some hard lessons about owning up to her mistakes, hard work, and building trust with her parents along the way. The story is rich with horse references as far as grooming, training, riding etc…. if you have kids that are “horse crazy” they are going to love this! On the flip side, it is done well and is not overwhelming to those who are not as enthusiastic about horses. Sweet story with a happy ending!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Chicken Scratch books however, my review is voluntary and reflects my personal opinions
Susan Reimer –
Galloping Away is a heart-stopping, poignant story of a girl and her horse. I loved this story and cannot recommend it highly enough!
Susan Phelan –
A must for any horsy kid you know. Not only do they get to feel like they are in the midst of a horse ranch, so many horse care/riding skills are introduced without talking down or up to the reader. It’s like you’re right there experiencing it. Fun, touching, and teaching without preaching. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elizabeth Raum –
It’s clear that Robin Kolb, author of Galloping Away, knows horses. The precise details about horse care will satisfy anyone who wishes she had a horse or lived around horses the way main character, Alex, does. However, this is also a story about friendship and the conflicts that can arise between friends. It’s about family, too, and the complex relationships between Alex and her sister, and also between Alex and her mom. Tension built throughout the story which keep me reading until I reached the satisfying conclusion. I’d definitely recommend Galloping Away for middle-grade readers, especially those who like horse or ranch stories.