Content levels
Trigger warnings
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Nefarious and inhumane activities shake the horse show world, and lives of horses are thrown into peril. Because of Alberta "Bird" Simms' ability to communicate with animals, an undercover RCMP officer recruits the fourteen-year-old - and her extraordinary horse Sundance - to help bring the perpetrators to justice. But while Bird struggles to rescue horses in the dead of night, there are mysteries close to her heart that need investigating. As her family is on the verge of falling to pieces, she uncovers secrets from her past that reveal who she really is and why she possesses her remarkable gift.
Is Dark Days at Saddle Creek appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this book involves criminal activity related to horses (implied inhumane treatment) and undercover investigation, but violence is off-page and appropriate for middle grade readers. The focus is on mystery-solving and a girl discovering her identity.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm.
Who'll love this
Kids who love horses and mystery will be drawn to Bird's special gift of communicating with animals and her secret mission to save horses from danger.