And anchoring the story with her is the right decision. Norrie as a character is an absolute delight. Because after all, Edgewood and Waverly are sworn enemies. While the first character we are introduced to is Victoria, our point of view character is the overly excitable Norrie, who immediately declares the new member of their stable the enemy. The more horse savvy readers will appreciate the care with the riding scenes and anatomy, informed by Hicks’s own experience riding. But managing to communicate it visually without losing the book’s vibrant look is impressive. It would have been easy enough to use a B&W or sepia palette for those panels. Though the subtle muted tones used in the flashbacks are a nice touch. Kelly Fitzpatrick’s vivid colors pair well on their own. Hicks’s art has always been exceptionally animated and expressive.
And friends.įirst and foremost, the book looks great. But this fresh start means rejecting competitions. I always love a good middle grade graphic novel focused on friendships, and Ride On does not disappoint.After a falling out with her best friend, Victoria begins riding at Edgewood Stables. But there are plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments, too! Watching the riders at her new stable reach out, validate her feelings, and offer to support her only in the ways she is comfortable with, is truly heartwarming. Everyone needs a friend, or someone to support them, and Victoria quickly finds people who accept her for who she is. Although Victoria’s initial instinct is to protect herself from any future harm by refusing all new friendship, that, of course, cannot last long. But if you are looking for an easy story about easily mended friendships, this is not it.įortunately, however, Ride On does hold out hope to readers. I just wanted her, for one moment, to validate Victoria’s feelings.
Taylor’s dreams of winning ribbons is one thing her refusal to admit that she can only do this because her parents are wealthy is amazingly obtuse. While it is heartbreaking to watch Victoria’s friend Taylor not understand how Victoria might want to enjoy riding for the sake of riding, instead of feeling the need to compete, it somehow feels worse to watch Taylor refuse to acknowledge Victoria’s financial worries.
Ride On acknowledges from the start that the world of riding, while amazing, is also one that can be full of pressure and one that may prove inaccessible to those without the money. Faith Erin Hicks chronicles the struggles of growing up and growing away from old friends with real insight and sympathy, creating a story sure to resonate with any reader who has ever felt like they did not quite belong. It is also, however, a moving contemporary story about changing priorities and friendships, one that will delight fans of graphic novels such as Smile, Twins, and Real Friends. Ride On is, of course, the perfect book to recommend to any tween or young tween obsessed with horses.
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