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Galloping Away
In the classic style of Misty of Chincoteague, with the modern world of Horse Girl, this middle grade story of the true bond between a girl and her colt leads to adventures, heartache, and resilience. 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.
- GenresHorses
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2024
This is a tender heartwarming, story that tugs on the reader’s heart strings. The whole time I was reading Robin’s book I kept thinking how only someone who has lived around horses could write this book, since everything rings true. Readers will feel like they are right in the story and living on a Montana ranch with the horses and other animals on the farm.
I loved the sweetness of this scene.
“It’s a boy, Mom! A little colt—he’s so cute.”
The colt lifted his head and our eyes locked. We both grew still. I’m the first person this colt has ever seen. My heart leaped from a slow canter to a full-out gallop. His dark brown eyes were as big as his mama’s and already appeared filled with knowledge. I took a few short steps and crouched down—I had to touch him. He stretched his tiny nose to my extended fingertips. His ears flopped out to the sides like he didn’t yet have the strength to hold them upright. Scooching forward, I stroked his soft chin. Tiny puffs of air and delicate whiskers tickled my fingers and sent shivers up my arm. His head tipped slightly to the left, but his gaze stayed locked on mine. Inching even closer, I saw my reflection shining in his eyes. Our breath mingled. I inhaled his sweet baby fragrance. I don’t know how long we stayed like that. It felt like a single moment and forever.
The newborn broke eye contact with a bob of his head and began shifting his gangly front legs out in front of his body. Nevada took a break from cleaning him.
Instead, she prodded his rump with her nose to encourage him to get up.
“The colt’s trying to stand already. You should see him.” I shuffled back to the wall. The tingling that had begun in my fingertips raced over my skin and sat like a fluttering moth trapped in my stomach. I’d never seen anything more beautiful than this colt. My colt. There’s no way I can let you be sold. No way!
The family members and characters are interesting and well-written. The story has enough bumps in the road to keep the reader rooting for Alex to succeed and I always love a happy ending. So many young girls love horses and even if the reader is never around a horse, they will love reading this book. Parents who still read to their child will love reading it with them or if they read a few pages, they will want to read to the end of the book.
I loved the sweetness of this scene.
“It’s a boy, Mom! A little colt—he’s so cute.”
The colt lifted his head and our eyes locked. We both grew still. I’m the first person this colt has ever seen. My heart leaped from a slow canter to a full-out gallop. His dark brown eyes were as big as his mama’s and already appeared filled with knowledge. I took a few short steps and crouched down—I had to touch him. He stretched his tiny nose to my extended fingertips. His ears flopped out to the sides like he didn’t yet have the strength to hold them upright. Scooching forward, I stroked his soft chin. Tiny puffs of air and delicate whiskers tickled my fingers and sent shivers up my arm. His head tipped slightly to the left, but his gaze stayed locked on mine. Inching even closer, I saw my reflection shining in his eyes. Our breath mingled. I inhaled his sweet baby fragrance. I don’t know how long we stayed like that. It felt like a single moment and forever.
The newborn broke eye contact with a bob of his head and began shifting his gangly front legs out in front of his body. Nevada took a break from cleaning him.
Instead, she prodded his rump with her nose to encourage him to get up.
“The colt’s trying to stand already. You should see him.” I shuffled back to the wall. The tingling that had begun in my fingertips raced over my skin and sat like a fluttering moth trapped in my stomach. I’d never seen anything more beautiful than this colt. My colt. There’s no way I can let you be sold. No way!
The family members and characters are interesting and well-written. The story has enough bumps in the road to keep the reader rooting for Alex to succeed and I always love a happy ending. So many young girls love horses and even if the reader is never around a horse, they will love reading this book. Parents who still read to their child will love reading it with them or if they read a few pages, they will want to read to the end of the book.
January 4, 2024
Galloping Away is set on the fictional Rosen family ranch in Montana. The protagonist, twelve-year old Alex, yearns to fledge, or to at least stand taller in the nest. She strives toward a dream of earning the respect and trust needed 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 plan 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 newborn colt, Denver, with whom she forms an immediate and lasting bond. In the quiet refuge of the stall, she inches close 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.”
Denver leaps to the heart 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 for her own and to be trusted and 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 Alex’s mother 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 enrichens the story.
I’ve only been able to scratch the surface of all that I believe is strong and inviting 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!
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 newborn colt, Denver, with whom she forms an immediate and lasting bond. In the quiet refuge of the stall, she inches close 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.”
Denver leaps to the heart 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 for her own and to be trusted and 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 Alex’s mother 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 enrichens the story.
I’ve only been able to scratch the surface of all that I believe is strong and inviting 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!
January 5, 2024
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.
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.
January 6, 2024
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.
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.
January 5, 2024
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.
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.
January 5, 2024
This was a very fun middle grade book! Even as an adult, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters were relatable, the plot was captivating, and it was overall very well written. As an animal lover myself, I could very strongly relate to Alex and how she cares for her family's horses. I felt strongly invested in her journey to prove to her parents that she's ready to train a colt of her own. I found myself celebrating her successes and feeling devasting loss with her. When Vegas was injured, I cried right along with Alex. All of the side characters, animal and human, felt well developed and had their own interesting plots. The setting was very interesting! Like the characters, I am from Montana and this book captured the states beauty very well. This was a fun glimpse into the lives of those on working ranches.
I also commend the author on her accuracy when it came to horses and riding. I have often had issues with horse books giving readers bad or even dangerously inaccurate information about horses. It takes a lot to care for and ride a horse! It's clear the author is an experienced rider and this gives the book an air of authenticity that a lot of other horse related fiction fails to achieve.
I think everyone, horse person or not, can relate to Alex's desire to prove herself and make her parents proud.
I would definitely recommend this book to children, parents, and other adults!
I also commend the author on her accuracy when it came to horses and riding. I have often had issues with horse books giving readers bad or even dangerously inaccurate information about horses. It takes a lot to care for and ride a horse! It's clear the author is an experienced rider and this gives the book an air of authenticity that a lot of other horse related fiction fails to achieve.
I think everyone, horse person or not, can relate to Alex's desire to prove herself and make her parents proud.
I would definitely recommend this book to children, parents, and other adults!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Galloping Away is the perfect story for middle grade horse lovers. I run two libraries and am always looking for well-written horse stories. Robin Kolb has hit the jackpot in writing this book. Her love of horses and knowledge of horse ranches is obvious. The reader can geek out over all the horse riding terminology which is well explained for the novice as well. Reading this book puts the reader right on the Rosen family owned Montana ranch. From the beginning chapter in which several horses foal in one night and young Alex, the almost 13 yo girl protagonist watches the births, and all through the remainder of the book, the story is well paced. There are realistic sibling relationships, some school drama, warm friendships, and, most heartening of all, sympathetic parents who know how to listen to and challenge their children to be responsible. Hard work and kindness are valued, along with excellence and thrift. There is respect for elders and consequences for foolish behavior. Alex is a very realistic and sympathetic character who bonds with one of the foals and yet grapples with the reality that the foals will be sold to keep the ranch profitable. The reader is given a view into Alex’s feelings about horses, her family and friends throughout the story and it makes for a lovely enjoyable read.
I was given a pre-print ebook copy of Galloping Away but the review is freely offered.
I was given a pre-print ebook copy of Galloping Away but the review is freely offered.
February 11, 2024
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.
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.
January 16, 2024
For every child (and grown-up) who loves horses 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!
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!
January 24, 2024
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
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Chicken Scratch books however, my review is voluntary and reflects my personal opinions
May 16, 2024
I am a teacher in Montana and read this with my 4th graders. They absolutely loved the book. They were engaged for a variety of reasons including it being a local author, hearing about our surrounding area and relatable characters including the horses. We were all rooting for Alex and fulfilling her dreams. I met the author Robin Kolb at a book reading in Missoula this winter. Robin was so friendly, engaging and passionate. We also utilized the amazing resources for a Literature Circle on the Chicken Scratch Books publishers website. My 26 fourth graders said please write a review Miss B. and give her 5 stars and the book. They loved the character development, amazing figurative language and descriptive words. Go get this book. You will want to gift it to all the littles in your life, your teacher friends and much more.
February 9, 2024
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.
January 19, 2024
This story was engaging and relatable, with a heroine whose dream most young girls can relate to at some point. Alex's struggles are very real and her triumphs are exhilarating. Her family and friends are well-developed characters, and her responses to her world are both wise and age-appropriate. I would highly recommend this book for horse-lovers in particular, and young readers in general.
February 3, 2024
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.
December 29, 2023
Will definitely be recommending this to the readers (and there are lots of them!) who ask for books about horses!
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