Riding Chance

by Christine Kendall

Troy is a kid with a passion. And dreams. And wanting to do the right thing. But after taking a wrong turn, he's forced to endure something that's worse than any juvenile detention he can imagine-he's "sentenced" to the local city stables where he's made to take care of horses. The greatest punishment has been trying to make sense of things since his mom died but, through his work with the horses, he discovers a sport totally unknown to him-polo. Troy's has to figure out which friends have his back, which kids to cut loose, and whether he and Alisha have a true connection. Laced with humor and beating with heartache, this novel will grip readers, pull them in quickly, and take them on an unforgettable ride. Set in present day Christine Kendall's stunning debut lets us come face-to-face with the challenges of a loving family that turn hardships into triumphs.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Sports, Animals, Middle Grade, Friendship, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2016

Reviews

[MoonWyvern · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished the book! It was an easy read, but it took me a pretty long time to read it.
I liked this book but it was only ‘okay’. It wasn’t the best but it was heartwarming and nice.
It revolves around Troy a confused teen who lost his mother and his dad is depressed because of it.
In order to help Troy, he is sent to work at these stables. He learns about the strong bond between an animal and a person and overcomes his problems.

I enjoyed this!

[La La · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is deeply engaging in some parts and I wish the entire book could have been that way. The first part of the book is slow and bland. That time should have at least been used to flesh out the characters earlier. At about 50-60% the story was wonderful, but then fell into that rut where the explanation of an activity, in this case polo, was a bit to technical and took up too much of the story. You have to consider the audience. They are reading about the lives of kids in a polo program, not reading to learn about the about how to play the game. When polo was being played the descriptions should have been more visual and less instructional.

Then came the contrived climax. I almost wanted to bang my head on something because it totally sunk the story for me.

The parts of the book that were about neighborhood dynamics, family relationships, bonding with animals, dealing with anger, and racism were stellar, but they developed too slowly and were not given enough of the story. It could have used a good editor. I think because of the slow start many teens will put the book down before they get to the meaningful content.

I was approved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review. I will not be reviewing this book on my blog because it is less than four stars.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. No way. Some of the most inauthentic dialogue I have ever read. Stereotypical characters - strict grandmother, "fly" girl, roguish uncle. If you don't personally know a family like this- a single parent family living in a rowhouse in an urban neighborhood where people sometimes get shot - don't try to write them. Read Ghetto Cowboy instead.

[Harry W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dynamite first novel, Riding Chance is a Philadelphia story, which identifies it as realism fiction. Based in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, its characters are drawn from a triumphant story of local youth overcoming the limitations of their environment to become champions in the grueling game of Polo.
Riding stables come alive in Riding Chance; horse manure, sweat of hard training young men and animals, the sweet smell of fresh hay. Illustrations of mucking stables, tails swishing horse flies, Percy the goat mascot, do indeed affects one's olfactory nerves. A host of teen age youth with home-spun names, adult and elderly personalities all working to help or hinder the protagonist, gives Riding Chance its identity. They keep it alive as the story's arc intensifies, engaging readers in its suspenseful rise to a climax. Troy is a very sensitive youngster in his early teens besieged with problems many of which he wrongly attributes to himself, "I messed up, couldn't tell anybody." We get to personally know Troy. Emotionally live with him as he climbs an uphill battle to become a champion polo player. But not without the love of his horse-Chance, and support of Dad, Grandma, Winston-the program director, Mr. Glover-community activist, etc.. His side kick, Foster, Alisha, Dre, the antagonists Jerome, Lay-Lay, and Little Keith's interactions fuels suspense, keeps the story on its balanced axis. Including its redeeming qualities, Riding Chance is a heart-rendering, and enjoyable read.

[JewelB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding Chance is a moving story about an African American teen named Troy who develops a passion for horses through his community service for a crime he didn’t commit. Just when Troy believes this outreach program is a breath of fresh air, he is confronted with old and new challenges. Some of these challenges involve death and racism. I am elated that Christine Kendall wrote a book that deals with these subject matters through the eyes of a youth because it does not happen often enough. Anyone can say racism sucks and/or that death is sad, but what else does it mean? How does it feel? What does it mean and how does it feel for a kid, in this case a boy?

Riding Chance walks you through the emotions and psychology of a young person who is forced to manage such tragedies. Of course the experiences in this story are not meant to represent all young adults and their cognition and emotions, but there are undoubtedly many of them who will relate to Troy. Even if they can’t relate because they haven’t gone through it, they will surely empathize. Truly, this is a compelling read for most ages and there is a strong chance (no pun intended) that you will gain a new respect for the horse culture, even if only temporarily.

Riding Chance is not all heart wrenching; there are several bits that will make you laugh and smile. The beauty of this book is how real it feels, its timeliness, and how inspirational it is without being cliché and sugarcoated.

[Sara Buss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding chance is an amazing book. it talks about a boy named Troy who rides has a rocky start in life his mom died and he would get into a lot of trouble. he was put into a horseback riding academy and his life changed. He behaved better and started connecting with a horse named Chance.he says when he rides chance he feels closer to his mom.this is an amazing story for anyone whether you ride horses or not it is a great page turner with a shocking ending about a certain character. Although I did find myself reading parts that are just lagging on about things and troy only plays one polo match int he whole book. But the book was a quick read that had some heart touching factors to it.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can a horse put you on the right track in life? She can if she's as cool a horse as Chance at the polo program in Philadelphia, for kids who might need a fresh start. I liked the mix of street and horses in this book--I feel like this can pull in both horse book readers and urban fiction readers, if you sell it right.

[Carolyn Menke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"See, the flow's the thing," says thirteen-year-old Troy Butler about how your swagger defines you. When a social worker sends the inner-city teen to work at a stable in Fairmount Park, Troy discovers a whole new world at the barn. At first he wants nothing to do with horses, but then he begins to like the new rhythm of his day, and now he has a goal. He's captivated by Chance - cause that horse has flow - and as they begin to build trust, the program director offers to teach Troy the sport of polo. But when Troy's dream is threatened, will he do the right thing? Will he let go of the anger and his constant fear and be the kid his grandmom and pops can be proud of? The kid he can be proud of? Author Christine Kendall handles the tender relationships of teenage boys like a pro. I loved this fresh take on new chances and seeing horses as if for the first time through Troy's eyes. A huge horse lover myself, I found Kendall's descriptions right on. That she also tackled racism, social teen pressures, and dealing with the death of a loved one layered this story beautifully. I love that Troy's story is based on a real work-to-ride program in Philadelphia, helping kids find their way. I definitely recommend this one for the middle grade crowd and parents and grandparents too!

[Nancy Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horses to the Rescue

I've lived in Philadelphia for many years and in the section of the city where the main characters live for half of them. I learned about the Work to Ride program about 20 years ago and their polo team about the same time that the author did.

The author has written a story about 2 teenagers who are sent to the Work to Ride program as a kind of community service sentence for some trouble at school. The way that the author presents the various characters and places in the book ring so authentically to life in Philadelphia for the 2 boys. They each mature in different ways, but learn that their long time friendship doesn't have to end because of their new interests.

I highly recommend this book for the age group that it was written for and to the adults, too. It is well written and enjoyable.

[Legend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Riding Chance talks about a 13-year-old boy named Troy. he has been skipping school and doing bad things for nearly a year since his mom died. He has been caught in crime with his friend Foster and after that, they got assigned to work at the stables to care for ponies. Troy likes ponies, especially a pony Chance. He eventually begins to learn to ride and tries to join the barn's polo team. That change his life and get him back to the old self; Troy before his mother's death.

I like this book because it shows how much a family member means to children. Many children might think that their parent is annoying but they pass out. They realize so much more things about them and becoming sad. They will start to have depression and that will Ruin their life. It tells kids to love your parent and treat them how you will treat yourself.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know, me, I can't resist a teen horse drama!

Anyway, I liked this, sort of, but I wish it felt more YA and less junior fiction--the storytelling felt a little too straightforward and simplistic to me. And the ending seemed super abrupt and without much closure--I really wanted more resolution with Jerome and Lay Lay, and with Alisha, and with what happened with the police, and I wanted Troy to maybe face some sort of consequences for his actions. I think over all I just felt this could have used more depth and emotion. I loved how supportive his dad and other folks on his street are though, and how his relationship with his best friend changes over the course of the book.

And yay, horses!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Kendall will be visiting my school in a few weeks, so I wanted to read her book beforehand. I was very interested in learning about the horses in Fairmount Park—I am from the area and remember hearing that they might exist, but that was about it. Turns out, the book is based on a real program, called Work to Ride.
Troy has gotten himself into some trouble, but instead of being sent to juvenile detention, he’s sentenced to working with horses. He and his best friend Foster have never been up close to a horse—but Troy is immediately hooked. The relationships between Troy, his best friend, his family, his neighbor and his enemies are very realistic. The horses don’t automatically “fix” Troy, which is totally realistic. You see his growth over time.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troy might be heading down a troubled path after his mother's death, so his father hopes for him to find his way through work at a horse barn. The stables quickly become something important in Troy's life as he deals with developing enemy-ships, new friendships, and other adverse experiences. Specifically, he develops a relationship with one particular horse which propels his dream of playing polo for competition.

This book is gorgeous. The grief is important but not consuming. The characters are developed and authentic. The exploration of self is so important for young adults. I love that this books represents black communities as a given and the worth of black people a given--something that shouldn't stand out, but does. A very important book for all.

[Lisa K · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this drama story / problem novel, Troy and his buddy have to go work at the stables in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park to make up for some trouble they got in. At first neither of them like it, but working at the stables, learning to ride, and joining the program's polo team mean a lot to Troy. What he gains from "his" pony Chance and from caring people in the program help him through some rough times, including being a black adolescent wrongly accosted by police on his own street.

Simple writing, clean, and at just over 200 pages appropriate for low-level readers who need to red something at that benchmark. Gotta think about how I'd sell it to them, though.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in inner-city Philadelphia as well as Farimount Park’s riding stables. 13 year-old Troy gets himself in trouble after his mom dies. He and his best friend, Foster, are given the opportunity to join a Work to Ride program in order to straighten out. Troy takes to the horses immediately, learns to ride, & learns to play polo. The plot includes a pretty girl, a bully, and the protagonist learning to tell the truth, no matter the consequences. This coming of age story is good for reluctant readers.

[Ms. Roberson - TMC Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grieving the loss of his mother, 13 yr old Troy works at the local stables and learns how to deal with life's ups and downs. As he learns to care for the horses, he connects with one named Chance, soon exploring the world of polo. Themes include grief, bullying and a tense police interaction.

I appreciated the message "make good choices" but didn't enjoy the writing style. I believe the target audience is 7th grade and up.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was nothing wrong with this book, and it was a pretty quick read. I get the point, but it was kind of dry and repetitive and boring. Nothing was really suspenseful, rarely a surprise, just kind of the same issues never quite dealt with, but mentioned and needed to be dealt with. Anyway, it has horses and we made it through. My daughter and myself both read it because it was part of her reading challenge. I doubt we vote for this one and pretty sure it won't win anything.

[Aryaman Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book greatly illustrates the contrast between two huge types of culture. The lower-class, and the higher-class. In this book, a boy from a rowdy neighborhood has to work at a stable for a punishment and takes an interest in horses, and the rich sport of Polo, however, there are people and obstacles in the way of his dreams, and a path of self-discovery on the way. A bit short, but a good read overall.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The dialog felt very real. I loved the relationship Troy has with his horse and could understand the difficulty he felt as he grew in another direction from his closest friend. The time it took for him to make it to the polo team seemed awfully short to me. I found the ending to be abrupt. It did leave things open to hope. All in all a very satisfying read. Thank you to Scholastic and Edelweiss+ for making this available to be in exchange for my honest review.

[Henry Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. This book is about them getting throw life cause they went throw a hard child hood and they are working to make money and making sure that the make it throw life because they are going to school and it's cost alot of money to go to this school but they going to join a sport that they never knew that they was going to get in to but they are watching it everyday and clean the place where they keep things and make sure they are feed and some with clean and the principal she want's him to do this to make sure his school is paid for.

2. I liked that part that they are going to make it pro cause they are doing something they love to do and nobody makes them do things they don't want to do and they are making it for there family and give them a life a big house and he gets a family that won't struggle like he did they get a better future. The things that I didn't like about some parts because they keep talking about using him to get out of the hood or the bad parts about town that his best friend wants to use him and don't want to use him.

3. My little brother would like to read this because they are taking because the life they are living he thinks that is what bring the book to life when you read this book or any book cause they are trying make you see and think the pain and suffering they went throw but he just likes to read a lot of books. My older brother wouldn't like this book because he's not really in to reading and knowing about some body's life.

[Amy Duistermars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy has a lot to deal with throughout the story, and there were times in the book where I just wanted to shout at him, "Do the right thing!" I enjoyed the book and it's characters. The story taking place at a horse stables is a refreshing twist. However, the ending of the book felt just a bit abrupt to me. Conflicts were resolved, but I wanted to know more.

[Thomas LIsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty good but there were some parts that didn't really have any meaning or that I thought should have been put into it. But what I did like about the story was the story line itself. I liked the problems that the character faced, and how he overcame them. Overall I thought this book was good but not one of my favorites.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I debated how to rate this book. I felt like some of the writing was overly simplistic, and the author could have developed some parts of the story more thoroughly. In the end, I still gave it five stars because it explores so many important themes like trauma, grief, race, and police brutality with the added interest of horses and their therapeutic value.

[Kate Santangelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that my daughter has for summer reading. I wanted to read it to make sure she understood it and also was interested myself about the story. I enjoyed it and thought it was a good book for kids her age to understand that you may not always have things your way - but the ones you love and trust are always going to be right by your side.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. I really enjoyed it! Engaging main character, unusual setting with the polo ponies, stables and team, allowed me to experience what he experienced as he was coming to grips with the losses in his life. Realistic and inspiring.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have benefited from some additional editing. There were more than a few errors. The dialect felt very forced at times. I enjoyed the story, and I enjoyed reading about different parts of Philadelphia.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. I don't know if I understand polo any more than I did before, but I feel like I understand the love of horses a bit better. I didn't have any issues with the writing style. I did like Troy finding something to be into and learning how to be a better person.

[Megan Norred · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this quick, simple read. I mainly grabbed it because it was a horse story, but it’s a great little read. It’s an excellent book for middle school to high school kids. The story was very real. I loved the main character. His struggles and emotions are relatable.

[Mrs. Cubby Culbertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story!! Pair it with Ghetto Cowboy to compare and contrast.

[Christine Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice characters, uplifting tale about inner city kids getting a chance to develop their polo pony skills!