Niki Danforth
With rodeo champion Granny Rose as her inspiration, Moxie’s birthday dreams kick up visions of a fine young horse that will also help her take on the more grown-up chores on her family’s Wyoming ranch. When her father unloads from his trailer the old sway-backed grey-flecked little black horse, Misty, Moxie’s hopes lie trampled in the barnyard dust. What she cannot see, but will come to discover, is that her new horse is special in more than just the way she brings this intrepid heroine into her own. Channeling her natural instincts to care for animals and dragging along her reluctant best friend and sidekick Pickle Turner, Moxie Wyoming grows out of pouty disappointment over her broken-down mare. She transforms into a courageous sleuth, hot on the dusty and sinister trail of a menacing gang with a hard-hearted plan to round up and sell a bold and beautiful herd of wild Mustangs. Along the way, Moxie learns there is more magic in helping endangered animals than aspiring to win rodeo ribbons.
“The children’s books were read and judged by children in the United Kingdom. The books were marked according to editing, theme, style, cover and, in the case of many of the children’s books, illustrations.” – The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“Aside from McCluskey’s lovely illustrations, Danforth’s novel has many charming features that should appeal to young readers, including a precocious, likable heroine and a depiction of the ordinary world punctuated by flashes of magic…it offers a quieter sort of magical realism that is quite appealing.” – Kirkus Reviews
“I think this would be a good story mostly for girls but boys might like it too since it has a lot of adventure and mystery.” – Reader Views Kids “This is a must on your kid’s book shelf!” – HooplaHa.com “A Wild Ride sets up a nice premise for a kid’s mystery that features horses and a strong young female protagonist. Moxie’s character is credible as a young girl disappointed with the ‘ugly’ Misty, but endearing as she comes around quickly to accept the mare and what Misty symbolizes as her great grandmother’s legacy – filled with magic. There are wonderful messages and symbols of strength in this story that touches on themes of friendship, loyalty and magic…beautiful, black and white illustrations…A Wild Ride is a ride filled with lessons of love and trust.” – IndieReader “A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty and Moxie Wyoming by Niki Danforth is a great children’s book because it takes you to another world…illustrations help you to better visualize the essence of A Wild Ride.” – Readers’ Favorite rates it 5 Stars!