Bubba Goes National
Posted By Jo Brielyn on June 18, 2010
Photo courtesy of: Jennifer Walker
Bubba Goes National, the debut novel of Jennifer Walker, is a compelling story about a girl, her horse, and the journey they embark on together. Although the book is written primarily for preteen and teen readers, the storyline will appeal to horse lovers both young and old. Anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a horse or ever loved a pet, will feel an instant connection with Leslie, the main character of Bubba.
Thirteen-year-old Leslie Clark loves horses and longs for a horse of her own. Unfortunately, since the death of mother over three years ago, Leslie and her widowed father cannot afford such luxuries. In order to feed her desire to be around horses and to continue her riding lessons, Leslie strikes a deal with the owner of Green Meadow Training Stables, Helen. She works at the stable mucking stalls, grooming horses, and generally performing many of the chores that Green Meadow’s wealthier students would not think of doing – especially the bratty Kate Wellesley. In exchange, Leslie continues to train with Helen and earns a small amount of spending cash, which she saves with the plan of some day buying her own horse.
Leslie is thrilled when her dream of showing a horse becomes a reality when Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the owners of a horse she regularly exercises at the stable, offer to let her show Charlie – and pay all of her show fees. Those hopes are soon dashed when the trouble-causing, Kate, interferes and convinces her parents to buy him out from under Leslie. She is crushed… that is, until she lays eyes on a special horse at Farmer Bob’s auction. Leslie looks beyond the less then stellar appearance of the neglected Arabian, falls instantly in love, and knows she must save him and make him her own. Imagine her delight when she wins the auction and purchases Lucky (playfully dubbed Bubba by her dad) for only $100! Will Leslie be able to train Lucky in time to compete? Will they qualify at nationals? What will happen when Leslie meets the new boy at the stables, Alex? What havoc will Kate Wellesley wreak next?
The insightful and talented Jennifer Walker manages to get inside of the mind of a 13-year-old with the skill of a seasoned professional. The result is a novel packed full of adventure, drama, interesting horse facts, important lessons, and believable characters. Through Leslie’s example, young readers are reminded that anything is possible if you want it enough and are willing to work hard for it. Jennifer cleverly weaves in accurate details about horse care and competitions, teaching young readers while telling an entertaining and realistic story. The conclusion leaves her readers wondering what will happen next and longing for more adventures with the kids at Green Stables.
Bubba Goes National is worthy of a blue ribbon in this reviewer’s winner’s circle!
About the author, Jennifer Walker:
Photo courtesy of: Jennifer Walker
Jennifer is the author of Bubba Goes National and Budget Horse-Keeping for the New Horse Owner. Her work has been published in several horse magazines, including Arabian Horse World, Modern Arabian Horse and Sierra Style. Ms. Walker also has short stories that appear in the anthologies, Elements of the Soul and The Ultimate Horse Lover. She is a freelance writer and editor, who also works in a dressage barn in California and is the proud owner of two Arabian horses.
Fans will be happy to know that Jennifer is already working on two sequels to Bubba Goes National, part of the Riders of Green Meadow series. To read more about Jennifer Walker and her current projects, please visit her at Jennifer Walker Writing Services. You can also read more of what Jennifer has to say on her blog, Jennifer Gets Bloggy.
Bubba Goes National is available for purchase on Jennifer’s website. Click here to order your autographed copy from the author. Bubba can also be bought through Twin Trinity Media (Windswept Destiny is an imprint) and is available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and booksamillion.com.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The book reviewer is a friend and colleague of Jennifer Walker, the author of Bubba Goes National. An author-provided copy of the book was provided for the review.
, by Dr. Ingrid Schweiger, is an excellent book choice for parents, family members and educators of children of all ages.
Jo Brielyn is a freelance writer, author and poet. Her work appears in the Elements of the Soul and Elements of Time anthologies and the book Poetry Against Cancer. Jo currently has two other written works due to be published in books in 2010. She also writes both fiction and nonfiction pieces for various online and print publications. To read more about Jo and her upcoming projects, please visit her at JoBrielyn.com.