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Sweet, Tart
"This tender and heartfelt book will resonate with middle graders. Halle’s problems—making new friends, dealing with a sibling, negotiating with parents—are relatable and timeless. . . . A warmhearted tale about growing up and the animals we love on the way." —School Library Journal
After witnessing the tragic death of a racehorse, eleven-year-old Halle finds herself caring for the horse’s best friend, a grieving pony named Rocky. A heart-tugging story of patience, love, and hope.
Halle thinks starting sixth grade in a brand-new school might help her forget about what happened at the racetrack. But she’s wrong. She can’t sleep at night because when she closes her eyes, she sees the last moments of Carver D’esprit, a horse who died the day Halle went to watch the races with her family. When Halle learns Carver came from nearby Oak Creek Stables, she is compelled to go there and learn more about him. The owner introduces her to Carver’s best friend, a pony named Rocky. Rocky is standoffish at first, but as Halle cares for him, they both begin to open up. When Halle finds out that Oak Creek Stables is suddenly on the verge of being sold to a housing developer, she feels everything slipping out from under her—what will happen to the horses, to Rocky, and to the memory of Carver D’esprit? This heartfelt story of loss and light follows Halle as she experiences the interconnectedness of endings and beginnings and learns that love still multiplies, even during grief.
After witnessing the tragic death of a racehorse, eleven-year-old Halle finds herself caring for the horse’s best friend, a grieving pony named Rocky. A heart-tugging story of patience, love, and hope.
Halle thinks starting sixth grade in a brand-new school might help her forget about what happened at the racetrack. But she’s wrong. She can’t sleep at night because when she closes her eyes, she sees the last moments of Carver D’esprit, a horse who died the day Halle went to watch the races with her family. When Halle learns Carver came from nearby Oak Creek Stables, she is compelled to go there and learn more about him. The owner introduces her to Carver’s best friend, a pony named Rocky. Rocky is standoffish at first, but as Halle cares for him, they both begin to open up. When Halle finds out that Oak Creek Stables is suddenly on the verge of being sold to a housing developer, she feels everything slipping out from under her—what will happen to the horses, to Rocky, and to the memory of Carver D’esprit? This heartfelt story of loss and light follows Halle as she experiences the interconnectedness of endings and beginnings and learns that love still multiplies, even during grief.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 10, 2026
A beautiful and heartfelt book. I loved all of the relationships that were built and rebuilt between the characters. There’s something for everyone in this story, especially if you’re a lover of animals. The depiction of Halle’s thoughts and feelings through poetry was done so beautifully. I felt all of the emotions with her. Can’t wait for people to read this. Officially out on February 24th!
June 25, 2026
Oh, my heart…what a beautiful book…
Halle doesn’t realize what special creatures horses are, until she visits a near-by stable to find out about one of their racehorses that met with an accident. What results is a period of changes for Halle: in her family life, school friendships, and in new interests such as writing poetry and caring for horses. Some of the changes are life-affirming, and a few downright heart-breaking, but Halle grows and matures through them all, with support from loving family and friends, human and animal…
I loved the different types of poetry taught by Halle’s English teacher! I have a “haiku notebook”, and now I’m eager to try writing in some of the other forms.
The death of a beloved pet might be disturbing for some readers. Having said good-bye to one a year ago myself, I had a throat lump and reached for the Kleenex during that chapter. But the scene was written so touchingly that I loved it, even with my achy heart…
If I could rate this book more than five stars I would! Please keep new ones coming, Kara Thom!
Halle doesn’t realize what special creatures horses are, until she visits a near-by stable to find out about one of their racehorses that met with an accident. What results is a period of changes for Halle: in her family life, school friendships, and in new interests such as writing poetry and caring for horses. Some of the changes are life-affirming, and a few downright heart-breaking, but Halle grows and matures through them all, with support from loving family and friends, human and animal…
I loved the different types of poetry taught by Halle’s English teacher! I have a “haiku notebook”, and now I’m eager to try writing in some of the other forms.
The death of a beloved pet might be disturbing for some readers. Having said good-bye to one a year ago myself, I had a throat lump and reached for the Kleenex during that chapter. But the scene was written so touchingly that I loved it, even with my achy heart…
If I could rate this book more than five stars I would! Please keep new ones coming, Kara Thom!
November 2, 2025
Sweet, Tart is the perfect book for horse loving kiddos (or adults like me who still can’t resist a horse story) but goes beyond being simply a horse tale. This mid-grade novel is for anyone who has faced the challenges of growing up, of feeling a little different, of learning how to manage loss and grief. This is a story of how the friendship between a girl and a pony, along with the power of poetry (and the help of an excellent school teacher) can help heal our souls.
I was a horse crazy kid who read every horse story I could get my hands on and I so wish Sweet, Tart was there for me when I was younger. I know Sweet, Tart will help kiddos navigate challenges they may face. If I could have read Sweet, Tart when I was a kid, I know it would have helped me through the tough middle school years. That said, reading Sweet, Tart now still comforts my soul.
Fun Bonus: I'm from Minnesota so especially loved how Thom captures the changing seasons and the setting of the real town of Chaska. Plus, the fictional stable in this story is based on a real stable that I used to drive past every day when I taught school in Chaska over 26 years ago!
I was a horse crazy kid who read every horse story I could get my hands on and I so wish Sweet, Tart was there for me when I was younger. I know Sweet, Tart will help kiddos navigate challenges they may face. If I could have read Sweet, Tart when I was a kid, I know it would have helped me through the tough middle school years. That said, reading Sweet, Tart now still comforts my soul.
Fun Bonus: I'm from Minnesota so especially loved how Thom captures the changing seasons and the setting of the real town of Chaska. Plus, the fictional stable in this story is based on a real stable that I used to drive past every day when I taught school in Chaska over 26 years ago!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This was a fantastic book. It is so touching and I can see myself in the main character. She is going through a lot and growing up is hard, especially when relationships change and those who were once with us seem to knwo be against us. I loved all the topics this book touches upon, especially the complexities of grief and healing and how they affect both human and animal. The use of poetry in this book was excellent as well and added a lot of impact to this book. The narrator does a great job portraying the characters as well.
This was a fantastic book. It is so touching and I can see myself in the main character. She is going through a lot and growing up is hard, especially when relationships change and those who were once with us seem to knwo be against us. I loved all the topics this book touches upon, especially the complexities of grief and healing and how they affect both human and animal. The use of poetry in this book was excellent as well and added a lot of impact to this book. The narrator does a great job portraying the characters as well.
May 13, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Halle is struggling at the beginning of 6th grade. Not only have her two best friends, Norah and Ava, spent more time together because they live near each other, but she witnessed the death of a horse when her family attended their first ever race near their Minnesota home. Since they live out in the country, Halle is interested to find out that the horse, Carver d'Esprit, came from the Oak Creek Stables nearby. She visits the farm and meets the owner, Gale Gunnar, and strikes up an awkward conversation with her about the horse. Gale is also deeply affected by the death, and tells Halle that Carver had a best friend, Rocky, who is not doing well. The other horse loved to play soccer with Carver, so Halle sets out to win Rocky's trust to try to help him. Halle's parents don't understand, and her older sister Brenna is downright mean about everything. There is some comfort in writing in her language arts journal for Mrs. Delgado, who responds with supportive comments. Halle is so busy with swimming and working at Oak Creek that she is surprised that her older dog, Vern, is not doing well. When Brenna gets a concussion playing soccer, this adds another level of difficulty for the family. Combined with the fact that Gale is planning on selling the farm, Halle becomes more and more depressed. She works with Petra, who is helping out with the horses while Gale is visiting her grandchildren in California, to try to find a buyer for the farm so that it is not sold to developers who want to put 140 homes on the site. Being separated from Rocky would be devastating to Halle, who struggles when the family has to put Vern to sleep. There is some light at the end of the tunnel when Oak Creek is sold to a veterinary practice that will board horses and have equine therapy, and Halle learns that Rocky will be staying.
Strengths: I was not aware of the fact that SweeTarts had words printed on them (or the fact that horses would like them as a treat), and this was used to good effect throughout the story, and in the clever title. Language arts teachers will love the inclusion of the creative writing journal, as well as Halle's poetry. The friend drama with Norah and Ava will appeal to middle grade readers, and it was good to have the girls involved in different activities (even Girls on the Run!). There is always a solid fan base for books about horses, and the cover is great. There is a note at the end about real life events that inspired this story. This is a lyrical, heart print book that will be popular with many teachers and librarians.
Weaknesses: Halle is weirdly obsessed with her Apple Watch, just one of many small details that makes this book a bit long, at 352 pages. Vern's death occurs on page, and I wish that Mrs. Delgado had referred Halle to the school counselor for her obvious difficulty in processing trauma. There is a sonnet that has lines that are not in iambic pentameter; most of the poetry is free verse, so most people won't notice.
What I really think: If Mendez's The Trouble With Sunshine or Haas's The Hungry Place are not sad enough for your readers, this might be a good choice.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Halle is struggling at the beginning of 6th grade. Not only have her two best friends, Norah and Ava, spent more time together because they live near each other, but she witnessed the death of a horse when her family attended their first ever race near their Minnesota home. Since they live out in the country, Halle is interested to find out that the horse, Carver d'Esprit, came from the Oak Creek Stables nearby. She visits the farm and meets the owner, Gale Gunnar, and strikes up an awkward conversation with her about the horse. Gale is also deeply affected by the death, and tells Halle that Carver had a best friend, Rocky, who is not doing well. The other horse loved to play soccer with Carver, so Halle sets out to win Rocky's trust to try to help him. Halle's parents don't understand, and her older sister Brenna is downright mean about everything. There is some comfort in writing in her language arts journal for Mrs. Delgado, who responds with supportive comments. Halle is so busy with swimming and working at Oak Creek that she is surprised that her older dog, Vern, is not doing well. When Brenna gets a concussion playing soccer, this adds another level of difficulty for the family. Combined with the fact that Gale is planning on selling the farm, Halle becomes more and more depressed. She works with Petra, who is helping out with the horses while Gale is visiting her grandchildren in California, to try to find a buyer for the farm so that it is not sold to developers who want to put 140 homes on the site. Being separated from Rocky would be devastating to Halle, who struggles when the family has to put Vern to sleep. There is some light at the end of the tunnel when Oak Creek is sold to a veterinary practice that will board horses and have equine therapy, and Halle learns that Rocky will be staying.
Strengths: I was not aware of the fact that SweeTarts had words printed on them (or the fact that horses would like them as a treat), and this was used to good effect throughout the story, and in the clever title. Language arts teachers will love the inclusion of the creative writing journal, as well as Halle's poetry. The friend drama with Norah and Ava will appeal to middle grade readers, and it was good to have the girls involved in different activities (even Girls on the Run!). There is always a solid fan base for books about horses, and the cover is great. There is a note at the end about real life events that inspired this story. This is a lyrical, heart print book that will be popular with many teachers and librarians.
Weaknesses: Halle is weirdly obsessed with her Apple Watch, just one of many small details that makes this book a bit long, at 352 pages. Vern's death occurs on page, and I wish that Mrs. Delgado had referred Halle to the school counselor for her obvious difficulty in processing trauma. There is a sonnet that has lines that are not in iambic pentameter; most of the poetry is free verse, so most people won't notice.
What I really think: If Mendez's The Trouble With Sunshine or Haas's The Hungry Place are not sad enough for your readers, this might be a good choice.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
March 24, 2026
As a local, there is nothing quite like reading a story that takes place in your own backyard! Sweetart captures the heart of Chaska, Minnesota, so perfectly. Even though the places and events are "loosely based," it was such a treat to recognize the local atmosphere woven into the plot.
For all the "horse girlies" out there—this one is definitely for you. The equestrian details are front and center, and you can tell Thom really understands that specific bond. It is a bit of a longer read (short chapters ❤️)but honestly, that just gives you more time to get lost in the stables and the poetry.
If you love stories about community roots, horses, and a setting that feels like home, don't skip this one!
For all the "horse girlies" out there—this one is definitely for you. The equestrian details are front and center, and you can tell Thom really understands that specific bond. It is a bit of a longer read (short chapters ❤️)but honestly, that just gives you more time to get lost in the stables and the poetry.
If you love stories about community roots, horses, and a setting that feels like home, don't skip this one!
March 30, 2026
After witnessing a horse die during a race, Halle is struggling to come to grips with grief and how she feels about the horse. When she gets the chance to work at a nearby farm and meets the horse's best friend Rocky she finally feels like she can make a difference. But then Halle finds out that the owner is planning on selling the farm and moving away, what will happen to her new horse friend now?
August 12, 2026
This is a very sweet story about a young lady discovering her love for horses. It involves a heavy emphasis on family dynamics and navigating the struggles young ladies face.
I know my daughter when she’s a bit older would enjoy this story and the themes it covers. I struggled with the length as I do think this is a heftier book for an elementary- middle grade audience.
I would definitely recommend to any horse girlies out there.
I know my daughter when she’s a bit older would enjoy this story and the themes it covers. I struggled with the length as I do think this is a heftier book for an elementary- middle grade audience.
I would definitely recommend to any horse girlies out there.
March 24, 2026
Sweet, Tart tells a tender story of a young girl navigating middle school and how an unexpected relationship with a horse changes her year. This book brings out real feelings of joy, grief, longing, and friendship. I love how poetry is woven into every chapter, it provides a deeper understanding into Halle’s mind. Absolutely recommend!
May 14, 2026
What a wonderful and wholesome story about family, friends, a tragic horse accident and then all things sixth graders worry about as they begin middle school. Kara Thom has written a novel that can and should be recommended to any animal loving child in search of a feel good book with plenty of heart.
August 8, 2026
I wish there was a rating for infinite stars!♾️ I LOVED this book I just got it from a library so now I wish I owned it! I cried when Vern died it was just the way Kara explained it . What’s funny is that I have a friend named Kara and she loves horses and loves reading and writing so I am totally going to recommend this book to her.
April 19, 2025
This is a sweet, beautiful, and also heart-wrenching story. Thom's writing and storytelling brings you in quickly and you are rooting for Halle within the first few pages. I didn't know I would care about horses or poetry so deeply!
August 7, 2025
A 12 year old girl in Minnesota navigates family drama and realities of life through horses and poetry. The written conversations between the girl and her English teacher set this apart from a normal horse story, but it's also that. Five stars and five tissues.
March 27, 2026
I enjoyed learning about horses and their care and appreciated the poetry throughout the story. The changing relationship between the sisters and the new friendships were so real.
April 16, 2026
Absolutely adorable book about hope, friends, loss, and love. Oh, and let's not forget a lonely pony.
Thanks for this sweet read from Goodreads Giveaways and Holiday Books!
Thanks for this sweet read from Goodreads Giveaways and Holiday Books!
May 23, 2026
I love the poems and the Rhyming it was so clever.
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July 3, 2026Very sweet. We all need a pony called Rocky to lean on.
June 21, 2026
This darling book will delight horse lovers and poetry lovers alike. While not a novel in verse, it nevertheless has LOVE THAT DOG vibes with a poetic correspondence between Halle and her teacher. And I loved learning about horses and equine care right along with Halle. This is a book young readers will devour.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews