A story of grit, determination, and sheer force of will, Racing Manhattan is a thrilling view into the world of competitive horse racing and those that call that world home.

Jay is a young girl of 16 who longs to be a professional jockey.  Abandoned by her father before her birth and surviving after her mother’s death, she lives with her uncle, step aunt, and cousin.  Uncle Bill is a bit of an unsavory character that fills the part of villain perfectly.  So, when Jay runs from her home and attempts to build a life in the racing hub of Newgate, you’ll find yourself cheering that she has gotten away…or has she?

This novel will leave you turning pages almost as fast as the horses race.  It is quick-paced and is an easy read for readers young and old.    The plot line is a little predictable, but there are enough nuances laced throughout that the reader won’t be bored.  There isn’t a lot of technical racing jargon, so even if the horse race world isn’t one you are familiar with, you won’t be lost or miss details that are integral to the story.

Filled with girl power throughout, this is a great book for female readers.  Boys will find enough action to keep them reading, but the overarching story is one of a girl making it big in a boy’s world.  The novel finishes with an unexpected turn that will leave you in smiles.

Overall a quick, action-packed read that is good for readers young and old.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Candlewick Press

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 religious exclamation; 3 mild obscenities; 1 derogatory name.

Violence/Gore:  5 instances of verbal threats to either harm human or animal; girl hits foot on fence post during race breaking toe; reference to mother’s death from cancer; girl falls from horse resulting in bloody scrapes and cuts; report of man dying from heart attack; girl trips man and holds pitchfork to neck as threat; story of man being seriously injured in horse attack; report of parent’s death in a fire.

Sex and Nudity:  Girl implies she is going to have sex at a party (with no detail).

Mature Subject Matter:

Gender and socioeconomic conflicts, death of family member and friends, serious illness, bankruptcy, illegal gambling, illegal horse racing, abandonment, blackmail, tax evasion.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults smoke and drink hard liquor; reference to booze being smuggled into a school.