For the teenager feeling like an outsider in their own family, this book is about finding inner strength and defying expectations to achieve a challenging goal.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels like an outsider in their own family, especially if they are struggling to find their place among more accomplished siblings. Rodeo Summer is about fifteen-year-old Janet, who feels inadequate and overweight in her family of skilled rodeo riders. She impulsively decides to train for barrel racing, a dangerous and demanding sport, choosing a spirited and difficult horse that no one else can handle. The book explores themes of resilience, self-confidence, and the courage it takes to face your fears. It’s a wonderful choice for a teen who needs to see that success comes from hard work and believing in yourself, not from being perfect from the start.
Published in 1984, some language and social norms, particularly around body image, may feel dated.
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is body image. Janet is described as "plump," and her self-consciousness about her weight is a recurring theme. The approach is direct but ultimately positive, as her achievements are based on her skill and perseverance, not on changing her body. The resolution is hopeful and reinforces that capability is not tied to a specific body type. The family dynamics include realistic sibling rivalry and pressure. The approach is secular.
Ideal Reader
A 12 to 15-year-old, especially a horse lover, who feels overshadowed by siblings or peers. This is for the child who is trying a new, difficult skill and feels like quitting, or who needs a model of perseverance in the face of self-doubt. It's a great fit for a reader who appreciates realistic stories about hard work over instant success.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the language surrounding body image is from the 1980s (e.g., "plump"). This could be a useful point of discussion about how we talk about our bodies. The dangers of rodeo are present but not graphic. The book can be read cold, but a conversation about perseverance might enhance the experience. A parent has just heard their child say, "I'll never be as good as my brother/sister," or "Everyone else gets it and I don't." The child may be expressing a desire to quit a new sport or hobby because it's too hard, or making negative comments about their own body or abilities.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely focus on the exciting horse story: taming a wild animal and the thrill of the rodeo competition. An older reader (14-16) will connect more deeply with Janet's internal struggle for identity, the complexity of her family relationships, and the nuanced theme of defining success on her own terms rather than by others' standards.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many horse novels that center on an almost magical connection between girl and horse, this book stands out for its realistic portrayal of the grueling, frustrating, and unglamorous work required to train a difficult animal. The focus is less on a horse solving the girl's problems and more on the girl forging her own strength and identity through the challenging process.
Read plot summary
Fifteen-year-old Janet feels like the odd one out in her athletic, rodeo-focused family. Self-conscious about her weight and lack of riding experience, she decides to prove her worth by learning to barrel race. She chooses a beautiful but nearly unmanageable horse named Diablo. The narrative follows her difficult and often discouraging journey of training, facing her fears, dealing with sibling rivalry, and slowly gaining the skills and confidence to compete. Along the way, she earns the help of a kind rodeo cowboy and, more importantly, her own self-respect.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Janet chooses Diablo, the most difficult horse, to be her partner. Why do you think she made this choice instead of picking an easier horse to learn on? What does this say about what she wanted to achieve?
2
Throughout the book, Janet compares herself to her siblings. How does her relationship with them, especially her sister, change from the beginning of the summer to the end?
3
At first, Janet seems motivated by wanting to prove something to her family. By the end of the story, do you think her motivation has changed? Is she still doing it for them, or is she doing it for herself?
4
The book talks about Janet's fears, both of riding a powerful horse and of failing. What was a specific moment where you saw her act bravely, even when she was scared?
