The Perfect Distance

This engaging young adult novel follows Francie Martinez, a talented 17-year-old Mexican American equestrian, during her pivotal last junior year at a top show stable. Francie is under immense pressure to win prestigious equitation finals, prove herself to her demanding trainer, and contend with a fierce rival. Amidst the high-stakes competition, she also navigates a budding romance and grapples with revelations about her trainer, forcing her to question her priorities and define her own path. The book offers a detailed, authentic look into the competitive horse world while exploring universal themes of identity, perseverance, and finding one's true self. It is ideal for readers aged 12-18 who enjoy sports fiction, coming-of-age stories, and strong female protagonists.

Seventeen year-old Francie Martinez rides at West Hills, one of the top show stables in the country, where her father is the barn manager. She’s dreamed of winning the Medal or Maclay Finals, and finally making her notoriously tough trainer, Rob Renaud, realize she has what it takes to be the best. Now it’s her last junior year and the pressure is really on. But just when Francie needs to focus more than ever, everything in her life turns upside down. Can she ever beat Tara, whom Rob is counting on to win? Will her relationship with the new boy in the barn, or what she learns about Rob keep her from winning one of the coveted equitation finals?