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Ride On

Ride On

4.6 out of 5

30 review Add Your Review

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An original graphic novel inspired by a childhood love of horses and Star Trek.

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Reviews (30)

An original graphic novel inspired by a childhood love of horses and Star Trek.

30 review for Ride On

5 out of 5

Ms. Yingling – Jun 21, 2022

E ARC provided by Netgalley When Victoria starts riding at Edgewood Stables, having come from the fancier Waverly, Norrie tries to make her welcome and is irritated when she rebuffs her advances. Victoria just wants to ride, and due to previous experiences with a friend, doesn't want to get into a lot of drama about competitions and friendships. Norrie, who is good friends with Hazel and Sam, one of the few boys who comes to the stables, then decides to "shun" Victoria, who is fine with that. Lat E ARC provided by Netgalley When Victoria starts riding at Edgewood Stables, having come from the fancier Waverly, Norrie tries to make her welcome and is irritated when she rebuffs her advances. Victoria just wants to ride, and due to previous experiences with a friend, doesn't want to get into a lot of drama about competitions and friendships. Norrie, who is good friends with Hazel and Sam, one of the few boys who comes to the stables, then decides to "shun" Victoria, who is fine with that. Later, when Victoria gets help with one of the horses from Hazel, she realizes that she might have been too hasty in her treatment of Norrie, and reaches out to her because they have a shared love of a vintage sci fi television program, Beyond the Galaxy. After an 18 year hiatus, the show is back, and the four kids are super excited about the new film. They watch old episodes, talk about costumes, and even go to a local Renaissance Faire when Victoria's sister works to film themselves acting with the Renaissance characters while in their BTG costumes. All of this makes Victoria realize that she has interests outside riding. When she was at Waverly, her best friend was Taylor, who was more able to afford classes and competitions, and even had her own horse. While Victoria enjoys riding, she doesn't want to focus on it to the exclusion of all else. When there is a small competition at Waverly, Norrie, Sam, Hazel and Victoria all have different demons they need to face during the competition. Strengths: This was an engaging graphic novel that is the perfect present for a middle grader readers who likes to ride, and also one that will show this world to the uninitiated. The illustrations of the stables, horses, and riding costumes will make these things much clearer to readers who have never been to a farm, much less in the saddle. I liked that Victoria had once been very enamored of the sport, but had backed off. The friend drama with Taylor is an absolutely prime middle grade topic, and the issue of personal identity is also crucial to this age group. My best friend in middle school was a huge fan of the original Star Trek, and I remember the 1979 motion picture being a HUGE deal! Victoria and Sam's family issues get a brief mention, so families of divorce and problems with toxic masculinity are also addressed. There's an easy to follow plot ARC, definable characters, and lots of fun. Weaknesses: I don't think that I would have wanted to be friends with Norrie, either! What I really think: Horses and horse riding will always have a small group of super fans, so I always try to add a book or two every year to the collection, although I no longer have any of the Jean Slaughter Doty titles that Hicks mentions in her afterword about her own experiences riding. I hope that part of the promotional tour for this book includes Hicks being able to ride a horse once again. I was never interested in riding, but I had a cousin who competed all through high school.
4 out of 5

Trish – Apr 28, 2022

Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This was a super quick, yet lovely graphic novel read. I was already familiar with Faith Erin Hicks work (I believe 'Pumpkinheads' served as our first introduction) and absolutely enjoy her combination of fun art and quirky humour. That said, 'Ride On' continues this tradition--encapsulating both a love of horses and science fiction (of all things)--in a journey of self-discovery, as our main ch Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This was a super quick, yet lovely graphic novel read. I was already familiar with Faith Erin Hicks work (I believe 'Pumpkinheads' served as our first introduction) and absolutely enjoy her combination of fun art and quirky humour. That said, 'Ride On' continues this tradition--encapsulating both a love of horses and science fiction (of all things)--in a journey of self-discovery, as our main character grapples with balancing what she loves, what fulfills her and brings her joy, and what she is willing to sacrifice to achieve those things... A question I think everyone faces at some point in their lives. 'Ride On' also explores significant role relationships play in this journey--particularly focusing on those between siblings and friends, and how impactful these are on our own development; influencing how we see ourselves, confirming our self-worth and boosting our confidence, while also challenging us and encouraging us to explore new things all at once. Ultimately, I would absolutely recommend this to pretty much any middle-grade reader (whether they love horses or science fiction or both or neither) because of the lessons it imparts: It is okay to grow and change. It is okay to love something without making it your whole life. It is okay to love multiple things that reflect all the different aspects of your personality. And it is the best to find friends and family who support and encourage in ALL the things you love. 4Stars
4 out of 5

Jenn Marshall – May 15, 2022

Victoria has always loved horses, but competitions are high stakes, stressful, and expensive. After a fight with her friend Victoria needs a new start. It is hard to judge the art because it was very blurry, but I have read Faith Erin Hicks before and this was never the case. I loved Nameless City so I am looking forward to seeing this book in person. In the beginning Victoria has different hair in the flashbacks. I loved this attention to detail. As someone who's kids have dyed their hair bright Victoria has always loved horses, but competitions are high stakes, stressful, and expensive. After a fight with her friend Victoria needs a new start. It is hard to judge the art because it was very blurry, but I have read Faith Erin Hicks before and this was never the case. I loved Nameless City so I am looking forward to seeing this book in person. In the beginning Victoria has different hair in the flashbacks. I loved this attention to detail. As someone who's kids have dyed their hair bright colors constantly it was nice to see the dark blue 3 months in the past and a teal color in the current timeline. There were a lot of situations in the book that my middle schoolers will relate to. It was a very sweet story that will appeal to more than just my horse kids. Creative Team Faith Erin Hicks COlors by Kelly Fitzpatrick Published by First Second
5 out of 5

Morgan – Mar 15, 2022

I'm so excited to put this lovely middle grade graphic novel into the hands of Horse Girls & non-HGs. As someone who works with young adults, I'm often dismayed by the importance of competition & being "the best" in all aspects of life. I see how much stress this places on youth and how much fun it sucks from their lives. I love graphic novels like Ride On, because they celebrate loving things for the sake of loving things. Victoria wants to ride and care for horses, because she enjoys it, which I'm so excited to put this lovely middle grade graphic novel into the hands of Horse Girls & non-HGs. As someone who works with young adults, I'm often dismayed by the importance of competition & being "the best" in all aspects of life. I see how much stress this places on youth and how much fun it sucks from their lives. I love graphic novels like Ride On, because they celebrate loving things for the sake of loving things. Victoria wants to ride and care for horses, because she enjoys it, which puts her at odds with other Horse Girls, who don't understand her passion absent of competition. After Victoria starts at a new stable, she learns there are riders like her including ones who love nerdy sci-fi shows. Ride On celebrates passion, friendship, and self-awareness.
4 out of 5

Jennifer – Mar 09, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title. I enjoyed this book! I know it will be popular at the middle school library where I work. Whether you are a horse person or not, the story of friendship and navigating change will resonate. There is also a cute fandom storyline. Victoria loves horses but is more interested in the joy of riding them and caring for them than being ultra competitive like her friend Taylor. Taylor cannot understand Victoria’s decisions (or her f Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title. I enjoyed this book! I know it will be popular at the middle school library where I work. Whether you are a horse person or not, the story of friendship and navigating change will resonate. There is also a cute fandom storyline. Victoria loves horses but is more interested in the joy of riding them and caring for them than being ultra competitive like her friend Taylor. Taylor cannot understand Victoria’s decisions (or her financial situation), and this causes a rift. Victoria decides it would be easier to just give up on the idea of friends and keep to herself. Will the group of kids at her new riding stable be able to change her mind? I highly recommend this delightful book!
5 out of 5

Jennifer – Mar 09, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title. I enjoyed this book! I know it will be popular at the middle school library where I work. Whether you are a horse person or not, the story of friendship and navigating change will resonate. There is also a cute fandom storyline. Victoria loves horses but is more interested in the joy of riding them and caring for them than being ultra competitive like her friend Taylor. Taylor cannot understand Victoria’s decisions (or her f Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title. I enjoyed this book! I know it will be popular at the middle school library where I work. Whether you are a horse person or not, the story of friendship and navigating change will resonate. There is also a cute fandom storyline. Victoria loves horses but is more interested in the joy of riding them and caring for them than being ultra competitive like her friend Taylor. Taylor cannot understand Victoria’s decisions (or her financial situation), and this causes a rift. Victoria decides it would be easier to just give up on the idea of friends and keep to herself. Will the group of kids at her new riding stable be able to change her mind? I highly recommend this delightful book! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 out of 5

Gabby – Apr 13, 2022

I was so excited to pick up an upcoming graphic novel by one of favourite graphic novel creators. I was sceptical about the theme as I don’t support horse racing at all. This was interesting to read from the perspective as a rider and ultimately focused on the positive aspects of riding/racing. The artwork was gorgeous, I loved the friendship and the character growth between everyone. And the nerdy aspects of the sci-fi TV Show. But ultimately I don’t feel comfortable giving it a higher rating du I was so excited to pick up an upcoming graphic novel by one of favourite graphic novel creators. I was sceptical about the theme as I don’t support horse racing at all. This was interesting to read from the perspective as a rider and ultimately focused on the positive aspects of riding/racing. The artwork was gorgeous, I loved the friendship and the character growth between everyone. And the nerdy aspects of the sci-fi TV Show. But ultimately I don’t feel comfortable giving it a higher rating due to the subject. Definitely keen to read future Faith Erin Hicks works. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an e-copy of this graphic novel to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 out of 5

Anne - ReadingfortheWeekend – Jun 23, 2022

What a great book! I only recently started reading graphic novels and I am so glad I did! This was an enjoyable middle grade novel with characters with big personalities that jumped off the page. The art work was incredible and truly expressed each unique character. I enjoyed how it showed the meaning - and value- of friendship. It’s a book I wish I read when I was in middle school, when friendships were getting hard to navigate. Definitely would recommend Ride On! Thank you to the publisher for What a great book! I only recently started reading graphic novels and I am so glad I did! This was an enjoyable middle grade novel with characters with big personalities that jumped off the page. The art work was incredible and truly expressed each unique character. I enjoyed how it showed the meaning - and value- of friendship. It’s a book I wish I read when I was in middle school, when friendships were getting hard to navigate. Definitely would recommend Ride On! Thank you to the publisher for my review copy. You can find more of my reviews on Instagram at @readingfortheweekend
5 out of 5

Gretchen – Feb 10, 2022

After a falling out with a long time best friend, Victoria has starting riding horses at a different stable. However, she has decided that she doesn't want to make any "horse friends" or compete in any events. She just wants to ride. Unfortunately, she makes a bad first impression with one of the regular riders, but eventually manages to make friends over a sci-fi television show. When Victoria and her new friends are asked to a horse show hosted by her former stable, she must decide if she's re After a falling out with a long time best friend, Victoria has starting riding horses at a different stable. However, she has decided that she doesn't want to make any "horse friends" or compete in any events. She just wants to ride. Unfortunately, she makes a bad first impression with one of the regular riders, but eventually manages to make friends over a sci-fi television show. When Victoria and her new friends are asked to a horse show hosted by her former stable, she must decide if she's ready to see her former friend again. #NetGalley
5 out of 5

Sam - Read & Buried – Jun 02, 2022

Ride On is a middle-grade graphic novel for Horse Girls of any age - even those who are adults! The main quartet of friends are all so unique and have their own struggles and motivations without feeling overwhelming, something that one-off graphic novels can sometimes fall prey to. The pacing, plot, and story itself are all well-balanced, and the artwork is stunning: I absolutely love how Hicks manages to put so much emotion into each character. If you are or were a Horse Girl, this is one not t Ride On is a middle-grade graphic novel for Horse Girls of any age - even those who are adults! The main quartet of friends are all so unique and have their own struggles and motivations without feeling overwhelming, something that one-off graphic novels can sometimes fall prey to. The pacing, plot, and story itself are all well-balanced, and the artwork is stunning: I absolutely love how Hicks manages to put so much emotion into each character. If you are or were a Horse Girl, this is one not to miss. Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
5 out of 5

caitlin e. – Mar 24, 2022

Review copy courtesy of First Second through NetGalley Not just for “horse girls,” this realistic graphic novel can share a shelf with Raina Telgemeier and other stories. Victoria is a new rider at a stable and unwilling to make new friends because of a feud with her former BFF, but she reluctantly makes friends through a connection with an old scifi show. A great buy for middle and upper elementary libraries.
5 out of 5

Mary – Apr 15, 2022

I really enjoyed this middle grade graphic novel. It's filled with old friendships, new friendships, being yourself, and horses, of course! Even as a non-horse girl I really enjoyed this book. Like most of Hicks' graphic novels, this was character-driven and realistic. The art is great and the story is interesting. The characters were likable and even if not everything was tied in a bow at the end, it was realistic and satisfying. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.) I really enjoyed this middle grade graphic novel. It's filled with old friendships, new friendships, being yourself, and horses, of course! Even as a non-horse girl I really enjoyed this book. Like most of Hicks' graphic novels, this was character-driven and realistic. The art is great and the story is interesting. The characters were likable and even if not everything was tied in a bow at the end, it was realistic and satisfying. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)
5 out of 5

Libby – Jun 19, 2022

This middle grade graphic novel with appeal to horse lovers, but many other readers will be drawn in by the story of old friendships that change and don't last and new friendships that grow and deepen. I especially liked that the group of friends includes a boy as well as a girl and yet never strays into romance. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC. This middle grade graphic novel with appeal to horse lovers, but many other readers will be drawn in by the story of old friendships that change and don't last and new friendships that grow and deepen. I especially liked that the group of friends includes a boy as well as a girl and yet never strays into romance. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.
5 out of 5

Kat – Apr 26, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this novel for the E-Arc copy. I am rating this book based on my own personal opinion and was not given anything in return. I am not leaving a entire review because I read so many at a time that I physically cannot right now.
4 out of 5

Erin – Apr 11, 2022

4.5
5 out of 5

Nic – Apr 17, 2022

Aww, this is nice. I'll link to my full review once it's posted on No Flying No Tights. Aww, this is nice. I'll link to my full review once it's posted on No Flying No Tights.
4 out of 5

Tina – Feb 14, 2022

I was never a Horse Girl, but I found this book so relatable regarding friendships and changing interests.
4 out of 5

Amy Pickett – Apr 18, 2022

After a falling out with her best friend, 12-year old Victoria took a break from horseback riding at Waverly Stables. She's now riding again, at Edgewood Stables, but makes it clear to the other young riders that she's not interested in making new friends. This doesn't sit well with Norrie and the rest of the Edgewood crew, but Victoria is just there to ride and train Winter, a new lesson horse. Norrie and her friends, meanwhile, bond over their excitement for the new season of Beyond the Galaxy After a falling out with her best friend, 12-year old Victoria took a break from horseback riding at Waverly Stables. She's now riding again, at Edgewood Stables, but makes it clear to the other young riders that she's not interested in making new friends. This doesn't sit well with Norrie and the rest of the Edgewood crew, but Victoria is just there to ride and train Winter, a new lesson horse. Norrie and her friends, meanwhile, bond over their excitement for the new season of Beyond the Galaxy (an obvious Star Trek homage). Victoria remembers how she escaped into episodes of Beyond the Galaxy as a young girl, and the shared fandom provides a bridge to meaningful connections with the Edgewood kids. Like Winter, Victoria "just needs to build up [her] courage, to see that the world outside isn't scary and out to get [her]." This heartfelt middle grade graphic novel will appeal to "horse girls" (and guys), and every tween reader who can relate to friend drama and unhealthy competition.
4 out of 5

Kellee Moye – Apr 23, 2022

Ride On is about figuring out one’s place as they fall out with friends who may not have the same goals as them and finding new friends that are accepting with all aspects of you, and how this is okay! So much of this felt true when it comes to middle school friendships. Oh, and all of this is surrounded by horses and riding competitions (and a little bit of sci-fi love!). Another gem by Hicks!
5 out of 5

Patti Sabik – Feb 09, 2022

I’m so glad to read an equestrian themed graphic novel! Great storyline and wonderful diverse characters. Terrific artwork. Absolutely love this book!
4 out of 5

Cathy –
4 out of 5

Karen –
4 out of 5

Lauren –
5 out of 5

Sara –
4 out of 5

Ann –
4 out of 5

jo –
4 out of 5

Andrea Kneeland –
4 out of 5

Em –
5 out of 5

Mama Wash –
5 out of 5

Shelley Coughlin Porter –

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