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Angels Club
Angels Club
Hola, Cuties! I’m Jacinda Gonzalez, almost twelve. Although I think I’m pretty nice, not to mention way cool and one of the most knowledgeable people in all things horse, I just can’t make any friends in my new school. The only things flying my way are totally rude insults. The horseback riding therapy farm where I volunteer becomes my perfect escape from mean bullies. And when Angel, a scrawny, muddy American Curly, shows up as rescue, no one but me can see her potential and lovableness, so I take her on as a project horse to get her ready for sale. But, the thing is, I don’t want them to sell her. She’d be so perfect for therapy. So perfect. Now, if only I could prove it.
Anyway, Angel’s sugar-candy personality inspires me to be sweet in spite of bad things happening to me. So, of course, I can’t resist the urge to make the world a whole lot brighter. Come on in and see how I do it!
Reading level, 7+.
Anyway, Angel’s sugar-candy personality inspires me to be sweet in spite of bad things happening to me. So, of course, I can’t resist the urge to make the world a whole lot brighter. Come on in and see how I do it!
Reading level, 7+.
225 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2014
About the author
Courtney Vail
15 books340 followersCOURTNEY VAIL writes totally twisted YA and adult suspense. She enjoys braiding mystery, suspense & romance with some kind of weirdness. Her addictions to crazy coffee concoctions, Funny Bones, Ben & Jerry's, and bacon keep her running and writing. She currently lives in New England with a comedian stud and a wild gang of kidlets. Her Angels Club series won the 2016 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Silver Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2014
Very cool premise! Love the characters, Jacinda and her friends are fun and lovable! The fact that the Angel Club members are facing many of the same obstacles as today's pre-teens, but overcoming these challenges and learning to love their differences by drawing strength from their friendship and interests is wonderful!
I believe young teens will gain not only enjoyment but valuable lessons when dealing with negative attitudes and situations! Engaging and lively dialogue, a great book for middle school readers:)
I believe young teens will gain not only enjoyment but valuable lessons when dealing with negative attitudes and situations! Engaging and lively dialogue, a great book for middle school readers:)
August 22, 2014
Part Disneyesque, part Lifetime Channel, Angels Club is a feel good story about girls learning to work together. Jacinda takes on a horse rescue as a project and forms the Angels Club to put their energy into doing good deeds and giving back. Seven young women learn that different personalities have their own way of doing things and that they have to compromise in order to succeed in their goal. Light-hearted young adult humor and dialogue will appeal to today’s young women. A twist in the ending keeps you glued to the final chapters. It’s an enjoyable read with lovable characters.
March 18, 2016
Four stars because it did touch me emotionally; bringing tears to my eyes in certain parts.
I'm all for diversity in books and have read others that did it subtly. This book knocks you over the head with it and the message starting on page one. In the very beginning paragraphs we learn the main character is Latina or Hispanic, in a relatively new school, tall for her age, and bullied. We also find out she loves horses and volunteers at a horse therapy ranch for physically challenged children (I think emotionally and intellectually challenged as well). I was ready to kick this book to the curb due to the author keeping everything so forcefully in the foreground...then in walked Angel.
Angel was a rescue horse picked up for free by the ranch owners at an auction. She did not look like an angel at first, but Jacinda saw a diamond in the rough. And that's where the author hooked me. I had to find out how Angel would turn out with proper care and love and nutrition.
There will be reviewers who will mark this book down a lot because it is too goody-goody. Honestly, the anti-bullying and how to get along messages really stayed right up front and in your face. I'm glad that the team did have arguments to show they were normal; the arguments were diffused a little too easily, but this is a book for middle readers.
[Spoiler Alert]
Overall the story was good. The only obstacles for the main characters were their arguments and tackling their emotions. There were some hitches in Angel's storyline, but even that resolved itself neatly. almost too neatly. Much of the time I was reading along in anticipation of the other shoe to drop. It's a trope authors like - have a nice happy family and, boom, tragedy strikes. Everytime I saw disaster coming it was averted. Even the minor boom at the end was muffled.
That doesn't mean I wasn't touched. This story was really good at tugging at your heartstrings. Angel's transformation, Jacinda opening her mind about Tori and Posh, Emily overcoming physical limitations, Angel kiss recipient reactions, etc. You bet I was misty eyed.
My one peeve is the relationship Jacinda has with her little sister, Tia. I believe Jacinda is 14 and Tia is 6. Jacinda is outright mean to her sister - won't listen to her, puts down her ideas, pushes her away from activities, etc. The behavior is typical enough of sibling behavior, but it bothers me that no one calls her on it.
One thing this somewhat sugary tale does show more subtly is how every single person has it in them to be a bully with their words. With regards to Emily, even reactions and non-violent actions can be extremely hurtful.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It's the first in a series and you can sign up to get email newsletters from the author about upcoming books. Will I read more in the series? Probably not. There just was not a deep enough connection to the characters to make me have to read what happens next.
I'm all for diversity in books and have read others that did it subtly. This book knocks you over the head with it and the message starting on page one. In the very beginning paragraphs we learn the main character is Latina or Hispanic, in a relatively new school, tall for her age, and bullied. We also find out she loves horses and volunteers at a horse therapy ranch for physically challenged children (I think emotionally and intellectually challenged as well). I was ready to kick this book to the curb due to the author keeping everything so forcefully in the foreground...then in walked Angel.
Angel was a rescue horse picked up for free by the ranch owners at an auction. She did not look like an angel at first, but Jacinda saw a diamond in the rough. And that's where the author hooked me. I had to find out how Angel would turn out with proper care and love and nutrition.
There will be reviewers who will mark this book down a lot because it is too goody-goody. Honestly, the anti-bullying and how to get along messages really stayed right up front and in your face. I'm glad that the team did have arguments to show they were normal; the arguments were diffused a little too easily, but this is a book for middle readers.
[Spoiler Alert]
Overall the story was good. The only obstacles for the main characters were their arguments and tackling their emotions. There were some hitches in Angel's storyline, but even that resolved itself neatly. almost too neatly. Much of the time I was reading along in anticipation of the other shoe to drop. It's a trope authors like - have a nice happy family and, boom, tragedy strikes. Everytime I saw disaster coming it was averted. Even the minor boom at the end was muffled.
That doesn't mean I wasn't touched. This story was really good at tugging at your heartstrings. Angel's transformation, Jacinda opening her mind about Tori and Posh, Emily overcoming physical limitations, Angel kiss recipient reactions, etc. You bet I was misty eyed.
My one peeve is the relationship Jacinda has with her little sister, Tia. I believe Jacinda is 14 and Tia is 6. Jacinda is outright mean to her sister - won't listen to her, puts down her ideas, pushes her away from activities, etc. The behavior is typical enough of sibling behavior, but it bothers me that no one calls her on it.
One thing this somewhat sugary tale does show more subtly is how every single person has it in them to be a bully with their words. With regards to Emily, even reactions and non-violent actions can be extremely hurtful.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It's the first in a series and you can sign up to get email newsletters from the author about upcoming books. Will I read more in the series? Probably not. There just was not a deep enough connection to the characters to make me have to read what happens next.
April 8, 2017
Jacinda and her friends help out at a riding stable called Sunnybrook which caters for young people with special needs. Like Emily, who comes along in a wheelchair and tries to pluck up the courage to stroke a horse.
A creamy white mare with much mud and tangles, and in bad shape, is brought to the farm as a rescue horse, to be made healthy and sold on for funds. But Jacinda decides that there is something different about this mare, whom she names Angel. As she and Emily work on the gentle mare they discover that she has curly coat and mane, so they research the traits and learn that she is an American Bakshir Curly Horse, descended from a Native American breed like the Appaloosas. That's not all that is special about Angel but I won't spoil the surprise.
The kids in this tale also get up to fund raising and donating money, which seems admirable, but I don't suggest young readers should go selling their possessions and handing the cash to strange adults. Always ask your parents about this kind of activity. I love the way that kids with various needs are portrayed and I enjoyed seeing Emily blossom as a horsewoman. As school plays a large part in young readers' lives we see some of Jacinda's time at school, but there are plenty of horse scenes. The main characters are about eleven.
This is an unbiased review.
A creamy white mare with much mud and tangles, and in bad shape, is brought to the farm as a rescue horse, to be made healthy and sold on for funds. But Jacinda decides that there is something different about this mare, whom she names Angel. As she and Emily work on the gentle mare they discover that she has curly coat and mane, so they research the traits and learn that she is an American Bakshir Curly Horse, descended from a Native American breed like the Appaloosas. That's not all that is special about Angel but I won't spoil the surprise.
The kids in this tale also get up to fund raising and donating money, which seems admirable, but I don't suggest young readers should go selling their possessions and handing the cash to strange adults. Always ask your parents about this kind of activity. I love the way that kids with various needs are portrayed and I enjoyed seeing Emily blossom as a horsewoman. As school plays a large part in young readers' lives we see some of Jacinda's time at school, but there are plenty of horse scenes. The main characters are about eleven.
This is an unbiased review.
May 16, 2016
I downloaded the first book in the Angels Club for free on Kindle a little while ago. Any free horse story is worth looking into, in my opinion. This one by Courtney Vail and Sandra J. Howell didn’t disappoint!
Jacinda Gonzalez is very tall for her young age. Add to that the fact that she had to stay down a year in primary school, and she feels like she is bullied for these two facts alone. What about her big heart and desire to help others? Read more at http://equus-blog.com/angels-club-one...
Jacinda Gonzalez is very tall for her young age. Add to that the fact that she had to stay down a year in primary school, and she feels like she is bullied for these two facts alone. What about her big heart and desire to help others? Read more at http://equus-blog.com/angels-club-one...
January 26, 2017
Great series for girls
For a young girl who is interested in horses, and loves to read this a great series to start her on. The characters are young girls, who come together when they decide to start a club of misfits. But what will these girls shoo in their club...good deeds of course. It is sure to be a favorite series of girls in middle school, late elementary school.
For a young girl who is interested in horses, and loves to read this a great series to start her on. The characters are young girls, who come together when they decide to start a club of misfits. But what will these girls shoo in their club...good deeds of course. It is sure to be a favorite series of girls in middle school, late elementary school.
April 4, 2016
Is a great book to read
November 2, 2016
Angels Club by Courtney Vail and Sandra J. Howell is a whole lot of fun. This is due to the fun, sassy, main character, Jacinda Gonzalez. This kid is full of life and energy. It almost leaps up from the page at you and I can’t help but think that kids will connect with all that vibrant positivism. Don’t get me wrong, Jacinda has problems just like any other kid but the response is so upbeat that I think Angels Club will result in a lot of kid’s spirits being uplifted. The dedication is to the outcasts and dreamers. Nobody needs a positive boost more than these two groups. It has been a while since I read a book so well written and realistic while at the same time so bubbly. The perfect tone for kids.
Jacinda is almost twelve and very cool. Just ask her. She volunteers at Sunnybrook Therapeutic Horse Farm. I have heard of and heard of using animals for therapy but this is the first book I've read about this and I have to say it sounds like a great idea. Jacinda cares for the horses and this isn't really a job for her because she loves horses so much and helping people seems to be second nature to her. The hands down strong point of Angels Club is absolutely the fact that it is told from Jacinda’s point of view and her “voice” is one of the most unique and dead on target depictions of a twelve-year-old I have ever read. This is a great story for kids, especially young girls but adults will like it too and if you are lucky it might help you recapture the spirit of youth for a while.
Jacinda is almost twelve and very cool. Just ask her. She volunteers at Sunnybrook Therapeutic Horse Farm. I have heard of and heard of using animals for therapy but this is the first book I've read about this and I have to say it sounds like a great idea. Jacinda cares for the horses and this isn't really a job for her because she loves horses so much and helping people seems to be second nature to her. The hands down strong point of Angels Club is absolutely the fact that it is told from Jacinda’s point of view and her “voice” is one of the most unique and dead on target depictions of a twelve-year-old I have ever read. This is a great story for kids, especially young girls but adults will like it too and if you are lucky it might help you recapture the spirit of youth for a while.
January 27, 2019
An ok book for horse lovers
I never read The Saddle Club series but I imagine this was inspired by it. The idea isn't bad but as far as execution goes, I wish the authors would pick a tense and stick with it. It probably could have also lost a few pages if they had reduced some of Jacinda's commentary on events - there were times it felt redundant.
Horse lovers will love the info on American Curly horses and horseback therapy. The characters aren't any worse or better than other series aimed at preteen girls.
I never read The Saddle Club series but I imagine this was inspired by it. The idea isn't bad but as far as execution goes, I wish the authors would pick a tense and stick with it. It probably could have also lost a few pages if they had reduced some of Jacinda's commentary on events - there were times it felt redundant.
Horse lovers will love the info on American Curly horses and horseback therapy. The characters aren't any worse or better than other series aimed at preteen girls.
May 9, 2016
Fantastic YA book about a Mexican American 11 year old girl that loves horses. She starts an angel club and it grows to 7 members to help others. Jacinda also has a pet horse project that helps pysically disabled kids with therapy.
There is some real girl drama so it gives the characters depth.
There is some real girl drama so it gives the characters depth.
July 27, 2016
Good read
Good information about American Curly Horses, inspirational quotes, and good club with a very good cause, but sometimes she was harsh toward her little sister, so that is why I gave it 4\5 stars. Overall, a good read.
Good information about American Curly Horses, inspirational quotes, and good club with a very good cause, but sometimes she was harsh toward her little sister, so that is why I gave it 4\5 stars. Overall, a good read.
June 19, 2016
For a 'kids' book as an adult I found it excellent reading. it made me laugh and cry and I enjoyed it very much.
February 22, 2017
Such a good book!!!!
It is awesome I love it it wasn't that sad and I hate sad books please read it everyone you guys inspired me . write. More!!!
It is awesome I love it it wasn't that sad and I hate sad books please read it everyone you guys inspired me . write. More!!!
Read
November 25, 2019This book is the best book a girl could have.
I Loved the whole book. It was very interesting and fun to read. I like how Jacinda stands up for the horse and is very kind to her.
I Loved the whole book. It was very interesting and fun to read. I like how Jacinda stands up for the horse and is very kind to her.
January 5, 2018
Angels Club -- Courtney Vail (23 chapters) Jan. 2-3, 2018 (415 page)
**I originally read this as a part of a book collection “8 Exciting Middle Grade Novels,” compiled by Paul Moxham.**
This is a girly adventure, but it's not as adventurey as I would have hoped it would've been. The story centers around a group of young girls raising money for people in need and nursing a rescue horse back from near starvation. It was hard for me to get through because the girl was very blingy in speech (which would definitely appeal to the age group targeted,) though I liked the characters. (A bonus was the protagonist liking Priscilla the Great, one of my all time favorite middle grades series!) There is some religious overtones in this story, but it’s more along the lines of what this author views as a typical family.
The horse theme felt very tired, as I have perused many other young girl/horse books, but this one has maybe a more contemporary twist in that they were trying to help others in need, and it wasn’t solely a ranch setting; plus the book is very diverse with a major character being wheel-chair bound; other ethnic groups were represented as well. Kind of a sappy story, but Jacinda does grow in this book. There was one character introduced at the end (a boy,) that wanted to join their group, but Jacinda said no. I didn’t understand why this character was event in the story and why she was insistent on not including him, (not including a boy seemed to go again the book’s central theme being accepting people of different abilities.)
Three stars.
**I originally read this as a part of a book collection “8 Exciting Middle Grade Novels,” compiled by Paul Moxham.**
This is a girly adventure, but it's not as adventurey as I would have hoped it would've been. The story centers around a group of young girls raising money for people in need and nursing a rescue horse back from near starvation. It was hard for me to get through because the girl was very blingy in speech (which would definitely appeal to the age group targeted,) though I liked the characters. (A bonus was the protagonist liking Priscilla the Great, one of my all time favorite middle grades series!) There is some religious overtones in this story, but it’s more along the lines of what this author views as a typical family.
The horse theme felt very tired, as I have perused many other young girl/horse books, but this one has maybe a more contemporary twist in that they were trying to help others in need, and it wasn’t solely a ranch setting; plus the book is very diverse with a major character being wheel-chair bound; other ethnic groups were represented as well. Kind of a sappy story, but Jacinda does grow in this book. There was one character introduced at the end (a boy,) that wanted to join their group, but Jacinda said no. I didn’t understand why this character was event in the story and why she was insistent on not including him, (not including a boy seemed to go again the book’s central theme being accepting people of different abilities.)
Three stars.
February 26, 2019
" saddle up chica!"
Angels club by Courtney Vail.
Jacinda Golez is a Spanish chica who loves horses. Me too!
Jacinda is popular and snazzy. Only Problemos are heading her way...
Poor Jacinda is bullied and soon many other troubles headed for her. Didnt Jacinda already have enough responsabilities?
I went to see how she did it.
This was Good enough to impress me but this was more of a diary than adventureous story. There were many horses and friends, but not enough thrill.
This book was free so i expected that it wouldnt be the best. But god love Jacinda.
Of course i only really reccomend this to girls and not boys. Girls maybe age 7 plus or older might like it. Not really older pre teens like me.
jacinda impressed me with her skills but the story isnt right enough. 3/5 stars
Angels club by Courtney Vail.
Jacinda Golez is a Spanish chica who loves horses. Me too!
Jacinda is popular and snazzy. Only Problemos are heading her way...
Poor Jacinda is bullied and soon many other troubles headed for her. Didnt Jacinda already have enough responsabilities?
I went to see how she did it.
This was Good enough to impress me but this was more of a diary than adventureous story. There were many horses and friends, but not enough thrill.
This book was free so i expected that it wouldnt be the best. But god love Jacinda.
Of course i only really reccomend this to girls and not boys. Girls maybe age 7 plus or older might like it. Not really older pre teens like me.
jacinda impressed me with her skills but the story isnt right enough. 3/5 stars
April 30, 2022
Angels club
This was a sweet story. I didn't realize it was a kids book but I loved it. I'm so glad the history of Angel the horse 🐎 was revealed. I liked that the girls were trying to be better themselves.
This was a sweet story. I didn't realize it was a kids book but I loved it. I'm so glad the history of Angel the horse 🐎 was revealed. I liked that the girls were trying to be better themselves.
July 11, 2023
Heart warming
Such a heartwarming and inspirational story with a beautiful ending ...lots of lessons for young readers I would highly recommended this story to anyone who needs cheering up.
Such a heartwarming and inspirational story with a beautiful ending ...lots of lessons for young readers I would highly recommended this story to anyone who needs cheering up.
August 5, 2023
It made me cry. The spirit running through the story was contagious. Not sure how more urban youth readers would feel or approach the setting of the story, but the message would like find a home with some definitely.
February 12, 2018
I love this book so much even katness dies! Also eat my paper now!
August 2, 2018
What to love about this book?
This book is......my favorite. My little sister loves this book.
This is a good family book.This is why is to l💕ve
This book is......my favorite. My little sister loves this book.
This is a good family book.This is why is to l💕ve
June 15, 2017
I absolutely adored Jacinda! Very glad I found this as a free download on amazon. It's a quick read that definitely brought a smile to my face, I just loved all the cutesy adjectives! I'm gonna start adding a few in my vocabulary! Thank you Courtney and Sandra for such a wonderful book! :)
February 11, 2020
This book is such a good book, it made me read and read every page even at bedtime. My love for horses have grown since reading this. Even my sister LOVED it. Rates five star due to the idea and it was so nice to read a book with my interests in.
February 23, 2021
Good book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews