Ride On

Ride On
Faith Hicks
First Second, August, 2022
224 pages
Grades 5-7
Graphic/Friendship

A new girl arrives at Edgewood Stables who seems to be a fellow horse enthusiasm and Norrie welcomes her to the fold with open arms, even though she is coming from a rival stable. To her surprise Victoria is rude and rebuffs Norrie's gesture. Norrie then decides to shun the new girl, dragging her friends Hazel and Sam (one of the only boys at the stables) into it as well. Eventually Victoria and Hazel connect and discover common ground over a love of Beyond the Galaxy (a show simular to Star Trek). The gang loves Beyond the Galaxy and Victoria fits right in with them, once the shun is lifted, watching old episodes, sewing costumes for a new season after a long hiatus, and making a splash at the Renn Faire in said costumes. Victoria finally reveals that she was disappointed in friendship by a best friend at her previous stable who was afforded more opportunities and judged Victoria for lack of commitment. Victoria is trying to find more of a balance in life, beyond horses and riding, and with her new pals she has discovered like-minded individuals at last.

This new volume by a veteran comic creator will find a ready audience with middle grade readers who are clamoring for more graphic friendship stories in the vein of Babysitters Club and Raina Telgemeier. Ride On offers an extra appeal as it will rope in horse lovers, though non-horse lovers will enjoy it too. There is diversity within the cast and I appreciate that this friend-group allows for each other's individuality, all while enjoying the bonds in which they share. There is gentle humor, especially demonstrated by spirited Norrie, who made me laugh everytime she ran around "shunning" Victoria. Kids who march to the beat of their own drummers will find courage to be themselves and hope that they will also find such a like-minded and supportive crew. The full color illustrations are expertly drawn and help to move the story along. Themes include being yourself, second chances, being open minded about new people, and not conforming to gender norms. The families are supportive and older siblings turn out to be helpful, not just torturers. Best of all, readers will learn, right along with Victoria, that you can be different things and you don't have to stay in your lane with just one interest. This is a fun and heartfelt book that will easily find a readership.