Riding Chance

Sentenced to work at a stable after being caught with stolen iPhones, Troy Butler is drawn to the horses and the grace and physicality of polo. To join the team, he must prove himself through hard work, responsibility, and earning the trust of Chance, a discerning polo pony. Set in Philadelphia, Kendall’s debut candidly addresses unfair treatment based on race (Troy, who is black, is harassed by police for walking down the street carrying a polo mallet and struggles with the anger the incident provokes), loss of direction after the death of a parent, and the positive influence of family and community (Troy is offered guidance by many peers and adults throughout). It’s Troy’s connection with Chance, however, that steals the show (“I slid back down to the ground and laid my head up against Chance’s side. Didn’t want anybody to know I had a lump in my throat, but it felt like Chance knew”) in a stirring look into the life of a young man finding passion, inspiration, and direction. Ages 10–14. [em]Agent: Miriam Altshuler, Miriam Altshuler Literary. (Oct.) [/em]