Waiting for Stardust

Thoroughbred: Ashleigh #3

by Joanna Campbell, Mary Newhall Anderson (Co-author)

In these stories, Ashleigh is an 11-year-old growing up at Edgardale, the breeding farm her parents run. While the current "Thoroughbred" series features Ashleigh as an adult jockey with a daughter of her own, the Ashleigh series provides the inside story of her childhood that fans have been clamoring to read.

Genres: Horses, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

See Jo Ann Simon

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one picked up right where book 2 ended and a lot happens. Whether it be concerning lightning and Kira, her relationships with friends and family, stardust, or her challenge of accepting Ashleigh's ability to test herself as an individual, something was always happening which was good!

[Rivkah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how things go smoother for Ashleigh. Yes you don't really have a book unless the main characture struggles, but watching constant struggle is tiring.

[Jo Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is part of the good stuff that got 13 year old me hooked on the series. It is written by the original author and creator of the universe, and therefore lives up to her standard.

The problems this book resolves around are realistic, albeit slightly annoying as an adult, but none the less issues that would fit the age group. It follows Ashleigh as she finally owns a horse, but it's not as easy as buying a horse and riding it. At least not for Ashleigh. I found it a tiny bit awful the previous owners didn't tell them her aversion for little girls as they know it's being bought for the Griffins daughter, but I suppose that is kind of realistic too - people will say anything or more correctly leave out anything when selling a horse. Luckily for Ashleigh, her partners are knowledgable and Stardust's problems are challenging but definitely retrainable with patience and love. I think it's a good storyline for a middle grade horse novel as it feeds into most girls dreams of having a special bond with their horse, and I know I certainly would have loved to fancy myself a "horse whisperer".

The central conflict of the friendship was immature, but they are kids and it, again, was super realistic. Unfortunately for Ashleigh, she is a stubborn kid who has a temper. She often gets angry at poor Mona, but this book definitely had a reasonable explanation. We've all struck out in embarrassment and disappointment.

The writing style was easy to read and well formed. Ashleigh's thoughts and attitudes were good natured, but kid-like (e.g. in her head whinging about chores, but then remembering her promises).

Overall it was quite enjoyable and really made me remember Joanna Campbell's talent for writing. It was also super awesome being able to see the basis of Ashleigh's no whip policy, which is a trademark of the main series.

[Leah Wallin]

It was a great read