What Are You Looking For?

A school-and-horses story about ambition, belonging and building trust with a guarded pony. Malory’s hopes for her future at Chestnut Hill are tied to whether she can bring out Tybalt’s potential.

A horse-centred story about adapting to demanding riding training, competition and change in Ashleigh’s life.

This is a cadet adventure built around a real training mission, with competition and self-doubt alongside a high-stakes decision about responding to danger.

The book combines learning about horse care and showing with friendship and a look at problems in the competition world.

A light-hearted sibling story sets the twins’ drive to outdo one another against Leo’s wish to join in.

This is a sibling story set around ballet lessons and a competitive opportunity. Lily and Saundra have different worries, and Lily believes she can help her sister.

This is a school-set story about competition and friendship, with a debate partnership at its centre. Tanner’s family responsibilities add a counterweight to the prestige and opportunity of Bannerman.

A warm, humorous friendship adventure follows Humphrey and Og through camp activities, cabin rivalry and unsettling surprises. It offers a small-animal viewpoint on nervousness, helping friends and adapting to unfamiliar experiences.

This is a socially engaged sports novel: football brings two North American teenagers into contact with marginalised local players, while different experiences of race, class and belonging become increasingly difficult to ignore.

A family-and-school story about three sisters balancing wedding preparations, a romantic bet and an attempt to support a new pupil dealing with bereavement. It also offers Indian-British family and cultural context, with bhangra music central to one arrangement.

An energetic race story where the excitement of competition is balanced by moments of empathy. Its strongest message is that a satisfying result can involve kindness, fair choices and sharing, not simply finishing first.

An energetic pony adventure combining horse handling, competitions, a film-set setting and mysteries. Friendship is central to Issie’s attempt to manage lively horses, while a troubled actress and possible danger to ponies add complication.

This volume combines bereavement and strained trust with a supernatural tournament confrontation. Its strongest emphasis appears to be action, escalating power and combat, while the emotional consequences of Genkai’s death remain important.

Expect a warm, humorous story built around Lottie's plan to grow a giant pumpkin with her grandfather. Its comic elements sit alongside school bullying, family strain, bereavement, illness and Lottie's responsibilities at home.

A tea-centred fantasy of competition, palace intrigue and family devotion. Ning’s search for a cure gives the plot emotional urgency, while brewing, tasting and reading ingredients become ways to investigate danger and negotiate power.

A warm, busy story about making something together when home and family security are under pressure. Its strongest appeal is the blend of theatre-making, farm life, friendship and practical determination.

A wartime family story about worry, practical help and growing food, with Teresa’s confidence tested by events she cannot control. Gardens connect everyday care with a wider conflict, while the ending appears emotionally serious.

A pony-centred adventure combining competition, training, mysteries and a possible threat to the Pony Club. Its main appeal appears to be the relationship between Issie and Fortune, alongside questions about rivalry and community conflict.