The Princess and the Foal

Horse enthusiasts will devour Gregg’s engaging novel about Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, inspired by the real-life princess who became an Olympic equestrian. The book offers a peek into the everyday life of contemporary royalty—playing in the palace, omnipresent bodyguards, and birthday gifts (for a six-year-old) that include two camels and a motherless Arabian foal—while presenting vivid glimpses of Bedouin culture. Horse-lover Princess Haya lost her mother to a helicopter crash when she was three; caring for the foal brought joy and meaning back into her life, and she went on to become an extraordinary horsewoman at a young age. Gregg (the Pony Club Secrets series) tells her story in simple yet moving language, creating a strong portrait of Princess Haya, who faces challenges both ordinary (making friends at boarding school) and unusual (learning to train a falcon). Gregg’s greatest strength is in detailing the deep, sensual bond that can form between a human and a horse, but the sympathetic protagonist and a setting rarely seen in middle-grade fiction make this an inspiring read for any reader. Ages 10–up. Agent: Nancy Miles, Miles Stott Literary Agency. (Sept.)