Books with author Karen Wood

SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING LIST.The first book in the best-selling Australian series, Diamond Spirit. Can the right horse heal a broken heart?At the start of the summer holidays, the unthinkable happens when Jess's beloved pony Diamond has a terrible accident. Why won't Shara, Jess's closest friend tell her what happened down on the river flats that day? Jess suspects the worst, and feels as though she's lost not just one best friend, but two.But new friends and new horses come into Jess's life, along with the chance to compete in the Longwood campdraft. And there's one special filly who needs Jess's help... can Walkabout help Jess in return? SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING LIST.EDITORIAL REVEIWS''Wood draws us into a lively and authentic world that's keenly observed with humour and affection. Her writing style is relaxed and confident. The characters (people, horses, dogs, even pig!) are vivid, the relationships dynamic, and the setting conveys a powerful sense of Australian place. There's much satisfying detail of work with horses, and no shortage of action and adventure, but Wood also makes us laugh, touches with moments of deep feeling, and probes the main characters' inner lives. She explores big ideas about connection (to place, family, ancestors, nature), about rights and obligations, and the corrosive power of hatred. All in all, there is an unusual mix here, with a complexity and richness that distinguishes the series from conventional 'horse stories'." Rosalind Price.

The fourth book in the best-selling Australian series, Diamond Spirit.SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING LISTShara heard her father's four-wheel drive and moments later the sound of hooves up a tailgate. She rushed to the window and saw Rocko's brown rump disappear into the horse trailer.'Dad! Dad! No!' She threw herself down the back steps, sobbing. 'I'm sorry!'When Shara decides to join her friends in protesting a wild horse race at the local show, it sounds fun, even heroic, but she isn't prepared for the tangle of heartbreak that follows. Now the police are at the door, her friend Corey has severe head injuries and her dream of rescuing a golden colt from its cruel owners is fading fast. Can she clear her name? Will she ever see Goldie again? And what will happen between her and Corey now?

Book three in the Australian best-selling series, Diamond Spirit.Finally, the day has come when Jess can bring home her once-in-a-lifetime horse. But Opal falls ill, the local vet just can’t find a cure and Lawson casts her out onto the station to ‘do or die’. Wild with anger and refusing to give up, Jess heads west on an outback cattle drive with her best friends – and Luke. Will she be able to bring Opal home? And could Luke be her once-in-a-lifetime boy?SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE LIST

Book two in the best-selling Australian series, Diamond Spirit.SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING LIST.After a harsh childhood spent in foster care, Luke finally feels at home on Harry’s farm, working with horses. After a bitter falling out with the people around him, he does a runner, leaving everything behind. He heads north to the gulf country of outback Australia in search of wild brumbies, and finds himself camped by a river with three Aboriginal elders.Can three wise men and a mob of wild horses help Luke discover who he is and where he belongs? 'You can smell the horses, dust and dry summer grass coming off the pages.' ALISON LESTER

From best-selling Australian author, Karen Wood's DUST 'N DREAMS series...'You should come to the drought-relief fundraiser,' Kaydon said to Holly. 'It's a big fancy ball, heaps of fun.' Boy, could this girl use some fun. And some rump steak.Holly shook her head.Kaydon gave up. Trying to make her smile was like doing a rain dance. There were clouds and rumblings, and a sprinkle here and there. But no amount of fancy footwork was going to make it happen for real.Holly Harvey doesn't want to move to Gunnedah, far from her friends and her home near the beach. And she's a vegetarian, so living on a beef property, with cattle yards, polo ponies and pig-shooting, makes it even worse. She and Kaydon are worlds apart - until a fight breaks out at the fundraising ball.Another addictive romance for teenagers from the author of Jumping Fences.SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE

Jess ran out to the front gate. 'What are you doing? Where are you going?''I'm going to stop those brumby runners.' Luke wrenched open the door of the ute and climbed in.'What brumby runners? You don't even know who they are or where they come from.''I know where the horses come from.'When Luke brings home a truckload of traumatised brumbies, some with horrific injuries, Jess agrees that something must be done. Can Jess, Luke and their friends foil the runners and save the wild mountain horses from their cruel fate? And in going back to Matty's Flat, will Luke discover where he really belongs?

Jess untied something from around her neck and held it out to Luke. 'Take my moonstone. They're supposed to give you beautiful dreams.'It was a pale oval-shaped stone, hung on a thin leather strap.'Promise me you'll come back,' she whispered.'I'll see you again, Jess,' Luke said. 'Promise.'After a harsh childhood spent in foster care, Luke finally feels at home on Harry's farm, working with horses. When Harry dies and Luke has a bitter falling-out with the people around him, he does a runner, leaving everything behind. He takes off to the gulf country in search of brumbies and finds himself camped by a river with three Aboriginal elders.Can a mob of wild brumbies and three wise men help Luke discover who he is and where he belongs?

Saddle up for an exciting new series featuring fantastic trick-riding triplets, from the hugely popular creator of Diamond Spirit, Karen Wood!Meet talented triplets, Ruby, Kit and Lexie. After Ruby discovers an old trunk in the stable loft full of their late grandmother’s costumes, the sisters uncover their family’s amazing trick-riding heritage. But why has Grampy kept this secret for so long? Will he allow the triplets to follow in the stirrups of their ancestors? Will their beautiful gypsy horses ever be anything but plough horses? Will they ever get the chance to follow their dreams?SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE‘This book is aimed at eight to ten year olds and is a good contrast to many of the ‘pony club’ type books that often are written for this audience. Instead, this book has equal parts of horse adventures, real life hardships and family history which all help to give it more substance than many short novels. The text is easily accessible but readers still encounter rich vocabulary and a plot that makes it a very enjoyable read.Themes of hope, compassion and courage are made obvious in the text through amulets the girls wear and I can see these becoming key elements in the series as the girls display them through their actions. Most importantly, a strong theme of believing in yourself and dreaming big comes through, especially with Ruby’s determination and the messages she receives from her Grandmother – “Close your eyes and dream of who you might become”.There is a lot of dialogue in this book and it would be a great model text for younger writers to show how speech can be used to develop a story and bring characters to life.With ten chapters and a hundred pages, this is a quick and engaging book which would be a great addition to a classroom library, particular to extend readers who enjoy horse stories but need gentle encouragement to explore other topics.’Gillian Light - Leading Teacher, Literacy/21st Century Learning, Melton West Primary, Victoria http://www.alea.edu.au/resources/novels/trickstars-triple-magic‘With horses, acrobatics, glitter and magic, Trickstars Triple Magic has all the ingredients to hit the mark with girls aged seven to ten years.’ Jade Harmer, Buzzwords Magazine.‘Written for newly independent readers from about 7-10. Mix dreams, sadness, and intrigue with horses, acrobatics, magic and characters that appeal and there is a formula for a series that will appeal to girls who love reading and horses. There are six in the collection … each building on the previous episode. I predict they will be warmly welcomed and eagerly read as young ladies put themselves in the saddle alongside Ruby, Lexie and Kit and share the dream with them.’ Barbara Braxton, ReadPlus.com.au. ‘This is a fun, upbeat story of three determined girls and their love of riding. It’s not just a horse story though, it also contains a touch of gypsy magic and covers some broader themes like familial responsibilities. The interactions between the girls and their family are authentic and the characters are well formed. This is the first horse story I’ve read (and I’ve read many) about trick riding, so it’s something different from the norm. This book should do well in public and primary school libraries, and the cover ensures it will appeal to young girls and horse lovers.’ Reviewed by Rebecca Kemble, Reading Time. ‘This is a winning combination; triplets (who could practically read each other’s minds), a hidden past, family secrets, gypsy horses and an opportunity for the girls to win a big talent show and make their dreams come true. Read it and see. There are more in the series to come.’ Reviewer Megan Stuart, Bug in a Book.

In the second book in the adventurous Diamond Spirit trilogy, Jess's friend Luke needs help figuring out where he belongsAfter a harsh childhood spent in foster care, Luke comes to Harry's place through a horse gentling program, and found the closest thing he's ever had to family. But when Harry dies, Luke's life quickly falls apart. He has a bitter falling out with Harry's son Lawson, and, afraid of becoming lost in the foster system again, Luke runs away, taking little but a moonstone pendant given to him by Jess. He finds himself camped by a river with three Aboriginal elders. Can they help him discover who he is and where he belongs?

The third book in an exciting new series featuring fantastic trick-riding triplets, from the hugely popular creator of Diamond Spirit, Karen Wood!The Trickstars rescue a neglected gypsy cob mare from the saleyards. But things are tough on the farm and Chance won't be able to stay unless she can earn her keep. Kit must nurse her back to health, then train her to be part of the Trickstars team. But Chance seems so unwilling. Is the old mare just untrainable, or is something else going on? SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGEREVIEWS FOR TRICKSTARS‘With horses, acrobatics, glitter and magic, Trickstars Triple Magic has all the ingredients to hit the mark with girls aged seven to ten years.’ Jade Harmer, Buzzwords Magazine.‘Written for newly independent readers from about 7-10. Mix dreams, sadness, and intrigue with horses, acrobatics, magic and characters that appeal and there is a formula for a series that will appeal to girls who love reading and horses. There are six in the collection … each building on the previous episode. I predict they will be warmly welcomed and eagerly read as young ladies put themselves in the saddle alongside Ruby, Lexie and Kit and share the dream with them.’ Barbara Braxton, ReadPlus.com.au. ‘This is a fun, upbeat story of three determined girls and their love of riding. It’s not just a horse story though, it also contains a touch of gypsy magic and covers some broader themes like familial responsibilities. The interactions between the girls and their family are authentic and the characters are well formed. This is the first horse story I’ve read (and I’ve read many) about trick riding, so it’s something different from the norm. This book should do well in public and primary school libraries, and the cover ensures it will appeal to young girls and horse lovers.’ Reviewed by Rebecca Kemble, Reading Time. ‘This is a winning combination; triplets (who could practically read each other’s minds), a hidden past, family secrets, gypsy horses and an opportunity for the girls to win a big talent show and make their dreams come true. Read it and see. There are more in the series to come.’ Reviewer Megan Stuart, Bug in a Book. ‘This book is aimed at eight to ten year olds and is a good contrast to many of the ‘pony club’ type books that often are written for this audience. Instead, this book has equal parts of horse adventures, real life hardships and family history which all help to give it more substance than many short novels. The text is easily accessible but readers still encounter rich vocabulary and a plot that makes it a very enjoyable read. … With ten chapters and a hundred pages, this is a quick and engaging book which would be a great addition to a classroom library, particular to extend readers who enjoy horse stories but need gentle encouragement to explore other topics.’ Gillian Light - Leading Teacher, Literacy/21st Century Learning, Melton West Primary, Victoria http://www.alea.edu.au/resources/novels/trickstars-triple-magic

Close your eyes and dream of who you might become…Saddle up for an exciting new series featuring fantastic trick-riding triplets, from the hugely popular creator of Diamond Spirit, Karen Wood!Meet talented triplets, Ruby, Kit and Lexie. After Ruby discovers an old trunk in the stable loft full of their late grandmother’s costumes, the sisters uncover their family’s amazing trick-riding heritage. But why has Grampy kept this secret for so long? Will he allow the triplets to follow in the stirrups of their ancestors? Will their beautiful gypsy horses ever be anything but plough horses? Will they ever get the chance to follow their dreams?SELECTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGETS1 – TRIPLE MAGICRuby and her sisters dream of a life far from Windara Farm, performing spectacular tricks on their beautiful gypsy cob horses. Then Ruby discovers an old trunk in the stable loft, full of family secrets and a touch of magic. Why has Grampy kept the past hidden for so long? Will he allow the triplets to follow in the stirrups of their ancestors?TS2 – SUMMER SPELLOld rivals from Grampy's past turn up in town. The Hexleys believe that Lexie's precious gold belt-buckle is rightfully theirs, and challenge the Trickstars to a trick-riding duel. But Silvanus Hexley will try all sorts of tricks to win, including casting a spell on Lexie.TS3 – SECOND CHANCEThe Trickstars rescue a neglected gypsy cob mare from the saleyards. But things are tough on the farm and Chance won't be able to stay unless she can earn her keep. Can Kit nurse her back to health, then train the cantankerous Chance? Or is it too late?TS4 – SAVING DESTINYRuby’s terrible premonition about Destiny comes true when the colt is taken from them by Chance's original owners. With Chance and Grampy both heartbroken, the Trickstars follow Destiny to the Silver Mountains. But saving Destiny depends on the help of friends in unexpected places.TS5 – CHASING DREAMSWhen Aunt Zelda shares a video of Destiny's antics, the Trickstars become an internet sensation. They have a chance to audition for their favourite television show, but when Grampy has an accident, their dreams are suddenly under threat.TS6 – PRINCESS OF THE SANDSThe Trickstars can't believe their luck when they are cast as stunt riders on their favourite TV show, Horses of the Sands. But there's trouble with the star's horse, and Lexie and Featherfoot are called in to help. Will Lexie's stage fright stand between her and stardom?REVIEWS FOR TRICKSTARS‘With horses, acrobatics, glitter and magic, Trickstars Triple Magic has all the ingredients to hit the mark with girls aged seven to ten years.’ Jade Harmer, Buzzwords Magazine.‘Written for newly independent readers from about 7-10. Mix dreams, sadness, and intrigue with horses, acrobatics, magic and characters that appeal and there is a formula for a series that will appeal to girls who love reading and horses. There are six in the collection … each building on the previous episode. I predict they will be warmly welcomed and eagerly read as young ladies put themselves in the saddle alongside Ruby, Lexie and Kit and share the dream with them.’ Barbara Braxton, ReadPlus.com.au. ‘This is a fun, upbeat story of three determined girls and their love of riding. It’s not just a horse story though, it also contains a touch of gypsy magic and covers some broader themes like familial responsibilities. The interactions between the girls and their family are authentic and the characters are well formed. This is the first horse story I’ve read (and I’ve read many) about trick riding, so it’s something different from the norm. This book should do well in public and primary school libraries, and the cover ensures it will appeal to young girls and horse lovers.’ Reviewed by Rebecca Kemble, Reading Time.