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Upset that her New Mexico school can only afford music and art teachers in alternate years, fourth-grader Saige works with her grandmother, Mimi, to plan a fundraiser but when Mimi has an accident, Saige relies on new friend Gabi to help.
124 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2012
About the author
Jessie Haas
60 books41 followersJessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 13, 2026
"School hadn't started the way I'd hoped, but school wasn't everything. And anyway, Mimi and I already had a plan to make it better."Saige's school doesn't have much funding. They can only afford music teachers or art teachers, never both. So when Saige gets to school and realizes that it's a music year and not an art year, she's really disappointed.
Her best friend, Tessa, is elated because she loves music and has had to wait all of last year to finally get lessons.
Then Saige has an idea - what if they secure funding for an after-school program? So on music years, students can stay late and have after-school-art classes (and vice versa). It's going to be a lot of work, but she's ready for the challenge!
This book was fairly well-done - I liked the descriptions of the various art techniques, the strong family bonds, and the overall arc about getting both music AND art in the schools.
That being said, this one did focus a lot on friendship drama, which isn't one of my favorite themes for American Girl books.
Tessa and Saige were often squabbling as their friendship duo adjusted to take in more musical or artistic girls. I will say though, the friendship drama feelings were well-written and made me feel like I was reliving my childhood at times.
But other than that, I did rather enjoy the story! Looking forward to the next one!
"Suddenly my chest felt as if it were full of cotton. I couldn't say a word - I was afraid I was going to cry. ... We rode home in absolute silence."
December 30, 2020
Saige is eager to begin 4th grade, looking forward to seeing her best friend Tessa and taking art classes. Tessa reminds Saige that the school can't afford both art and music in the same year, they alternate, which means no art class. Saige is dismayed. Art is life! Tessa is consumed with music and her new friend Dylan (a girl who is also a singer) so no one seems to understand Saige's feelings. The only one who is sympathetic is her grandmother, Mimi, a professional artist, who tells Saige to do something! Saige and Mimi plan a Fiesta where Mimi and her horse Picasso will lead a parade and do trick riding. A bad fall puts Mimi out of commission and Saige worries the Fiesta won't happen without her. A new friend who loves animals and art helps Saige come up with a plan to save the day.
This story has a lot of the same elements as previous Girl of the Year Books. Saige is single-minded and obsessed with one thing like McKenna and can't understand why no one else feels the same way. She has friend problems like Nikki and McKenna and she does something big to attract attention to her cause. I found all the repetitiveness boring. I support the arts and arts in school but it wasn't like the school cut out art all together. They compromised and given budget constraints, they were doing the best they could. There are also too many lengthy descriptions of training dogs and horses. I love animals, I appreciate research and accuracy, but it made the story too long.
The best part of this story is the setting. The blue New Mexico sky and the landscape are mentioned frequently and are part of the story. Even the diverse people and animals are represented. The frequent description of the sky reminded me of Josefina's tag line "Her hopes and dreams are as wide as the New Mexico sky." That's something Saige can understand almost 200 years later.
**********************
Upon a reread, I liked the story better. I'm more familiar with modern tween lit and the concerns of girls Saige's age. I did not like Saige all that much and thought she needed to learn how to be a better friend. Tess already seems to have it figured out. I purchased two copies of this book to share with my nieces. One loves art and the other loves horses, both love music and will be able to relate to the story. I actually enjoyed the animal training sequences this time and thought Professor Jackson was a lot to fun. The real stand out for this series is the illustrations. The paintings are utterly gorgeous and make me want to visit New Mexico!
This story has a lot of the same elements as previous Girl of the Year Books. Saige is single-minded and obsessed with one thing like McKenna and can't understand why no one else feels the same way. She has friend problems like Nikki and McKenna and she does something big to attract attention to her cause. I found all the repetitiveness boring. I support the arts and arts in school but it wasn't like the school cut out art all together. They compromised and given budget constraints, they were doing the best they could. There are also too many lengthy descriptions of training dogs and horses. I love animals, I appreciate research and accuracy, but it made the story too long.
The best part of this story is the setting. The blue New Mexico sky and the landscape are mentioned frequently and are part of the story. Even the diverse people and animals are represented. The frequent description of the sky reminded me of Josefina's tag line "Her hopes and dreams are as wide as the New Mexico sky." That's something Saige can understand almost 200 years later.
**********************
Upon a reread, I liked the story better. I'm more familiar with modern tween lit and the concerns of girls Saige's age. I did not like Saige all that much and thought she needed to learn how to be a better friend. Tess already seems to have it figured out. I purchased two copies of this book to share with my nieces. One loves art and the other loves horses, both love music and will be able to relate to the story. I actually enjoyed the animal training sequences this time and thought Professor Jackson was a lot to fun. The real stand out for this series is the illustrations. The paintings are utterly gorgeous and make me want to visit New Mexico!
November 10, 2016
Saige is an American Girl who is Breaking Bad!
When her corrupt, racist school system bans art, music, and Mexican food, horse fanatic Saige fights back. She rounds up a band of misfit friends, (balloon racers, out of work disc jockeys, half-mad chemistry teachers) and they take over an abandoned stable. Saige starts cooking "Saige Albuquerque Blue," a very, very special brand of raisin cookie. Soon everyone in Albuquerque wants to know who the mysterious "Saigenberg" is, and what she really puts in those raisin cookies. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horses, New Mexico, or the drama and excitement of "Breaking Bad" packaged just for preteen girls.
When her corrupt, racist school system bans art, music, and Mexican food, horse fanatic Saige fights back. She rounds up a band of misfit friends, (balloon racers, out of work disc jockeys, half-mad chemistry teachers) and they take over an abandoned stable. Saige starts cooking "Saige Albuquerque Blue," a very, very special brand of raisin cookie. Soon everyone in Albuquerque wants to know who the mysterious "Saigenberg" is, and what she really puts in those raisin cookies. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horses, New Mexico, or the drama and excitement of "Breaking Bad" packaged just for preteen girls.
March 12, 2020
Yes, I read this book. I had never read an American Girl book based on any of the dolls. Saige is one of my daughter's favorite AG dolls so I chose her book. Honestly, I thought it would be a quick read to add to my Reading Challenge.
It's predictable and lacks depth, but it wasn't a complete loss. I enjoy art, horses, and animal behavior/training. In my opinion, if young girls (or boys!) like it, then it's a good book. I wish I would've read one with my daughter when she was younger. Wait, come to think of it, she wasn't interested in these books.
It's predictable and lacks depth, but it wasn't a complete loss. I enjoy art, horses, and animal behavior/training. In my opinion, if young girls (or boys!) like it, then it's a good book. I wish I would've read one with my daughter when she was younger. Wait, come to think of it, she wasn't interested in these books.
June 12, 2013
I enjoyed reading Saige, however, I felt emotionally disconnected. I am not sure if it was me or that I felt like the story was being told to me instead of shown. It was great that Saige was able to bring everyone together to support the school arts program in an entertaining creative way.
The inspirational and heart-warming real story about Lizzy and Toby at the end of the book was the feeling I was expecting from Saige’s story.
The inspirational and heart-warming real story about Lizzy and Toby at the end of the book was the feeling I was expecting from Saige’s story.
January 10, 2022
This book dates back to an especially weak period in the Girl of the Year franchise. I didn't read it when it came out, but I am glad that I got to read a super cheap copy now that some friends picked up for me at a used bookstore, so that I can work towards completion with the American Girl series.
This is one of those stories where the main problem the girl faces can be easily resolved through a good bake sale. In fact, the story revolves around a fundraising process as Saige, her family, and her friends work towards raising money for the languishing arts department of her elementary school. This is a great cause, but it doesn't make for particularly gripping reading.
To make matters worse, this 2012 book is noticeably derivative of other Girl of the Year books from the same era. Saige's fundraising efforts bring back memories of Kanani raising funds to save endangered seals in 2011, and Saige also deals with parallel friendship issues, as she and her best friend also experience conflict around their diverging interests. If someone is choosing between two books with the same kind of friendship drama and fundraising efforts, Good Job, Kanani is the one to prioritize.
Unless, however, the reader happens to be obsessed with art or horses. Those are the unique elements of this book, but even the horse ranch seems derivative. Saige's grandmother owns a horse ranch, but Chrissa's grandmother owned llamas in the 2009 books. It all seems so familiar, and so repetitive. This is a perfectly fine book for the target audience, and horse girls will enjoy the horse characters and story line, but this is very weak in comparison to most American Girl books.
This is one of those stories where the main problem the girl faces can be easily resolved through a good bake sale. In fact, the story revolves around a fundraising process as Saige, her family, and her friends work towards raising money for the languishing arts department of her elementary school. This is a great cause, but it doesn't make for particularly gripping reading.
To make matters worse, this 2012 book is noticeably derivative of other Girl of the Year books from the same era. Saige's fundraising efforts bring back memories of Kanani raising funds to save endangered seals in 2011, and Saige also deals with parallel friendship issues, as she and her best friend also experience conflict around their diverging interests. If someone is choosing between two books with the same kind of friendship drama and fundraising efforts, Good Job, Kanani is the one to prioritize.
Unless, however, the reader happens to be obsessed with art or horses. Those are the unique elements of this book, but even the horse ranch seems derivative. Saige's grandmother owns a horse ranch, but Chrissa's grandmother owned llamas in the 2009 books. It all seems so familiar, and so repetitive. This is a perfectly fine book for the target audience, and horse girls will enjoy the horse characters and story line, but this is very weak in comparison to most American Girl books.
February 1, 2013
The story of the newest American Girl of the year is filled with great lessons and challenges.
I got teary eyed a few times in this one for good and sad reasons.
The situation with Tessa is a familiar one to me...sometimes the friendship ends up stronger and sometimes the relationship dissolves away.
This author, Jessie Haas, was able to pull emotions from me with regards to situations I've been through. The feeling of being left out is awful; overwhelmed with "duties" is frightening; etc.
Saige is a lovely young girl who is blessed with many talents. She uses these talents to help raise funds for her school to continue to provide art and music instruction. She has to rely on herself when her grandmother is injured and can no longer assist with preparations for the fiesta. Does she do it alone? Nope! She has a wealth of assistance/assitants! Tessa, Gabi, Picasso, Luis, and many more. The fiesta is a success (similar to the one in Buffalo, NY but with a New Mexico twist).
It is rather amusing that Saige does not think to include music...music is art too! I was thrilled when she made that connection. There is a great organization with that name struggling to do waht Saige and her friends are doing; check it out here: http://www.musicisart.org/
At the end of this book is a story about a young horsewoman from Pennsylvania and how she has overcome challenges to pursue her dream of showing horses.
Both stories are very inspirational. I'm looking forward to reading the second Saige book.
I got teary eyed a few times in this one for good and sad reasons.
The situation with Tessa is a familiar one to me...sometimes the friendship ends up stronger and sometimes the relationship dissolves away.
This author, Jessie Haas, was able to pull emotions from me with regards to situations I've been through. The feeling of being left out is awful; overwhelmed with "duties" is frightening; etc.
Saige is a lovely young girl who is blessed with many talents. She uses these talents to help raise funds for her school to continue to provide art and music instruction. She has to rely on herself when her grandmother is injured and can no longer assist with preparations for the fiesta. Does she do it alone? Nope! She has a wealth of assistance/assitants! Tessa, Gabi, Picasso, Luis, and many more. The fiesta is a success (similar to the one in Buffalo, NY but with a New Mexico twist).
It is rather amusing that Saige does not think to include music...music is art too! I was thrilled when she made that connection. There is a great organization with that name struggling to do waht Saige and her friends are doing; check it out here: http://www.musicisart.org/
At the end of this book is a story about a young horsewoman from Pennsylvania and how she has overcome challenges to pursue her dream of showing horses.
Both stories are very inspirational. I'm looking forward to reading the second Saige book.
January 1, 2013
I think I'm going to have to start keeping track of books where the main character and their best friend don't get into a fight. Bonus points will be awarded if a fight does occur between two girls and it's not over another friend (or, if they're older, a romantic relationship).
Saige's school district only has enough money to alternate art and music classes every year. Saige forgets this and is disappointed when she's reminded that this year is a music year. Her best friend, Tessa, is thrilled because she's musically inclined. Saige, as you might've guessed, is artistically gifted. Saige is unable to get over her inability to be happy for her friend and Tessa strikes up a friendship with another singer in class prompting Saige's jealousy to rear its ugly head again, matters aren't helped any by Tessa's newfound devotion to her singing. Their friendship falters and something about the way it's handled bothers me, though I can't quite put my finger on it.
To distract Saige from her friendship woes, her grandmother (an artist) is introduced and then injured, throwing Saige's world further into disarray.
Throw in a fabulously timed new friend to help save the day, and a fundraiser to promote the arts in schools and all that's missing is a hot air balloon ride.
Oh, wait, we've got that, too.
Overall, it's a good book, it's just not great.
Saige's school district only has enough money to alternate art and music classes every year. Saige forgets this and is disappointed when she's reminded that this year is a music year. Her best friend, Tessa, is thrilled because she's musically inclined. Saige, as you might've guessed, is artistically gifted. Saige is unable to get over her inability to be happy for her friend and Tessa strikes up a friendship with another singer in class prompting Saige's jealousy to rear its ugly head again, matters aren't helped any by Tessa's newfound devotion to her singing. Their friendship falters and something about the way it's handled bothers me, though I can't quite put my finger on it.
To distract Saige from her friendship woes, her grandmother (an artist) is introduced and then injured, throwing Saige's world further into disarray.
Throw in a fabulously timed new friend to help save the day, and a fundraiser to promote the arts in schools and all that's missing is a hot air balloon ride.
Oh, wait, we've got that, too.
Overall, it's a good book, it's just not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2015
Great story about families, horses and how to work through your problems.
Chapters, reading this book w/a client.
Chapters, reading this book w/a client.
February 19, 2026
I watched this movie when she was girl of the year. shes pretty relatable to how i was at thar age
September 19, 2017
As far as the non-historical American Girls go, Saige is my favorite of the ones that I've read so far. There are so many interesting facets to her story that the book is very interesting and moves very quickly. Saige lives in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, and her story is a very enchanting tale of art, horses and hot-air balloons.
Saige is an artist. Her grandmother, Mimi, is also an artist and Saige loves to visit her after school so they can paint together. Saige learns that her school has cut the art program for the coming year due to lack of funds. The story emphasizes how important art is to students and I agree with this very much. It's a very good idea to teach children the benefits of art. If more people want art like Saige does, maybe art will not be the first thing to be cut when the budget demands it.
Mimi has horses, and I love how she names her horses and other pets after famous artists. Saige takes action to get art put back in school by participating in a fundraiser. Her idea is to train, Picasso, one of her grandmother's horses, to do tricks. It's interesting to learn how she trains him - especially when she gets him to learn to paint - just like his namesake.
When Mini is injured in an accident, Saige steps up and takes her place by riding Picasso at the head of the parade that kicks off the fundraising event.
Meanwhile, at school, Saige is facing some problems with her best friend, Tessa. Tessa is more into music than art and has made a new friend in her music classes that Saige does not like. Saige is sad to be drifting apart from Tessa, but has made a new friend of her own, Gabi, who is the new girl in school.
Albuquerque is the hot-air balloon capital of the world and Saige's dad always participates in the balloon festival, so we also learn a lot about hot-air ballooning.
This book is very well done and I enjoyed it tremendously!
Saige is an artist. Her grandmother, Mimi, is also an artist and Saige loves to visit her after school so they can paint together. Saige learns that her school has cut the art program for the coming year due to lack of funds. The story emphasizes how important art is to students and I agree with this very much. It's a very good idea to teach children the benefits of art. If more people want art like Saige does, maybe art will not be the first thing to be cut when the budget demands it.
Mimi has horses, and I love how she names her horses and other pets after famous artists. Saige takes action to get art put back in school by participating in a fundraiser. Her idea is to train, Picasso, one of her grandmother's horses, to do tricks. It's interesting to learn how she trains him - especially when she gets him to learn to paint - just like his namesake.
When Mini is injured in an accident, Saige steps up and takes her place by riding Picasso at the head of the parade that kicks off the fundraising event.
Meanwhile, at school, Saige is facing some problems with her best friend, Tessa. Tessa is more into music than art and has made a new friend in her music classes that Saige does not like. Saige is sad to be drifting apart from Tessa, but has made a new friend of her own, Gabi, who is the new girl in school.
Albuquerque is the hot-air balloon capital of the world and Saige's dad always participates in the balloon festival, so we also learn a lot about hot-air ballooning.
This book is very well done and I enjoyed it tremendously!
June 4, 2015
I think “Saige” is an interesting book. It can teach us to work hard for something that we want even if plans change a little. I admire how Saige worked very hard at the fund raiser to save the art program at school. I also like how she is looking on the bright side even if something goes wrong.
“Saige” is about a girl named Saige who is now moving in to fourth grade. This year there was a few disappointments. There was no art and her best friend Tessa is closer to a new friend that she met at music camp Dylan. Now it was up to Saige to save the art program.
I recommend “Saige” for preteen girls and teenage girls. The reason why I recommend it for them is that “Saige” has main characters in it that are girls. I also recommend “Saige” for them because it will teach them to work hard for something that they want.
“Saige” is about a girl named Saige who is now moving in to fourth grade. This year there was a few disappointments. There was no art and her best friend Tessa is closer to a new friend that she met at music camp Dylan. Now it was up to Saige to save the art program.
I recommend “Saige” for preteen girls and teenage girls. The reason why I recommend it for them is that “Saige” has main characters in it that are girls. I also recommend “Saige” for them because it will teach them to work hard for something that they want.
December 30, 2015
An American Girl who loves art and horses? Sounds like my kind of girl. I felt like SAIGE had more substance and depth than some of the other contemporary American Girl books that I have read, but still I think the author tried to cram a few too many threads in: friend problems, new kids in school, concerns over family members, a love of horseback riding and art, no art class at school, and more. The book is a little slim to deal fully with all of those ideas, though it makes an admirable effort.
January 9, 2013
Jessica Mitchell, 11
Saige
4 stars
I'm literally blowing away with the wind right now because my friend punched me really hard and all my insides popped out! Don't worry! I asked her to. I was just testing to see if i was just dreaming. This book was amazing!
Literally all american girl books leave me a crying heap on the floor--how come i've never done something truly inspirational like those guys!
I don't have time to type up a review right now...but...THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!
Saige
4 stars
I'm literally blowing away with the wind right now because my friend punched me really hard and all my insides popped out! Don't worry! I asked her to. I was just testing to see if i was just dreaming. This book was amazing!
Literally all american girl books leave me a crying heap on the floor--how come i've never done something truly inspirational like those guys!
I don't have time to type up a review right now...but...THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!
June 20, 2022
This book was so boring. The so-called best friend Tessa was a jerk to Saige. You don't get to be jealous when she hangs out with another girl when you were buddy-buddy with Dylan and Saige said nothing about it.
February 20, 2013
This was a great American Girl story. I love reading about children who have talents and connections with grandparents! A good read with your girl!
February 13, 2024
I was so disappointed in this book. I love Saige's doll and her mini doll is so freaking cute, and I REALLY wanted to love her story, but man, you just can't compare these books to the Pleasant books. They're so different. I missed the little illustrations throughout the story that the Pleasant books had and I missed seeing portraits of all the main characters at the beginning before the story. I wanted to see Paige's parents and dog!
On it's own without comparing it to the Pleasant books, overall the story was interesting, but not interesting enough where it was exciting to read and find out what happened next. I had to force myself to read the whole book in one go because I knew if I put it down I will never pick it up again. I had the same feeling while reading Courtney's first book. I still have not finished it. I also really hate the way these new books are formatted. Will I continue with Saige's series? Probably not, which makes me sad.
On it's own without comparing it to the Pleasant books, overall the story was interesting, but not interesting enough where it was exciting to read and find out what happened next. I had to force myself to read the whole book in one go because I knew if I put it down I will never pick it up again. I had the same feeling while reading Courtney's first book. I still have not finished it. I also really hate the way these new books are formatted. Will I continue with Saige's series? Probably not, which makes me sad.
September 21, 2022
We read it with the kids as their before bedtime book. It’s not my cup of tea but it’s a good book and the kids enjoyed it. We like that it has good morals throughout. The kids found it pretty easy to relate to it seemed. It’s about their grade level so they’re around the same age as the kids in the book. I thought there would be more horse-related stuff, similar to the Saddle Club books, but most of it centered around Saige’s interpersonal relationships. Either way the kids enjoyed it, and we enjoyed that it has good morals. It’s good for them to hear that sort of thing. The end of the book includes a section about the real life girl that the book was based on, and that’s pretty cool. I’d recommend it as a kids book.
February 12, 2019
This was fine. While Saige was a fine character to follow she wasn't particularly interesting but at least she wasn't obnoxious either. The storyline was pretty predictable and her overall "problem" for the novel (trying to get art back into her school) wasn't particularly compelling to me. For a child who is really excited about horses, I think this book could be really good. I hope that my American Girl book discussion group enjoyed it.
December 31, 2025
I've definitely read this when I was younger, and I just think the storyline is really cute! Lol Saige is very mature for a 4th grader!! 😅 I think if she was the girl of the year when I was born or my birth year, I would've been absolutely obsessed with her. We're very similar: both obsessed with art and horses! 4.75 stars: if it were a bit longer, and if American Girl kept making Girl of the Year dolls like this today, it would be rated higher. :)
May 18, 2017
This book was surprisingly good for a children's book. Now, im considered a young teen, but i remember this book from a few years ago. I still absolutely enjoyed it and definitely recommend this book no matter what age you are. Its a great book just to get away from the world and read something sweet and pure.
February 19, 2021
what a good book! I started to read the book and thought about bailing it because it was as interesting but still read it and farther along it got better and better! i loved the book and hope you will like it too!
July 15, 2025
my favorite thing about american girl doll books is that they make me want to stop doom scrolling because what do you mean you’re 9 years old and excel at painting, horse riding, gymnastics, singing, etc.
let me get my ass up and embroider something
let me get my ass up and embroider something
September 15, 2018
Very typical an American Girl story.
Read
May 9, 2020I really liked this one, and read it multiple times.
June 2, 2020
How old is saige
August 30, 2021
Just wasn't impressed. Saige has a horse named after an artist and she loves to paint with her Mimi. When her Mimi gets hurt, she has to figure out ways to make things work without her.
October 3, 2021
2021
Pretty cute story about fighting for what you want
Pretty cute story about fighting for what you want
February 6, 2022
Saige and Saige Paints the Sky was a great book series.
May 27, 2023
My Childhood
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews