About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Sixteen-year-old Spencer loves his job at the local racing stable.
Spencer becomes convinced that someone is drugging the racehorse Lord of the Flies, no one believes him. In an effort to find out who is behind a dangerous race-fixing scheme, he takes on some of the most unsavory members of the track community. By refusing to turn a blind eye, Spencer risks losing those he cares most about, including Em, the stableowner's niece.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Nikki Tate is the popular author of many books for children, including Jo’s Triumph and Jo’s Journey. Nikki (and her collection of goats, ponies, dogs, cats and assorted feathered friends) makes her home on Vancouver Island. Each year Nikki visits many schools to talk about her books, lead writing workshops and perform as a storyteller.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"An intriguing and easily readable story that high school aged students will want to read...A great addition to your library."
— Resource Links
"The first words in this young adult novel are, 'You're fired!' Who could resist reading the rest of the novel?...It's a pleasure to read a horse book that is honest about the difficult behavior of horses...Great novel, well written, for kids who can't get enough horse lore. Nikki Tate gives her readers what most people never see: the backside of the track. It's a world of its own."
— The Baytown Sun
"A story of intrigue, but it is also a realistic look at teen life including emotions, trials and trouble of the typical youth…Highly recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"With a good deal of suspense, this novel will capture the attentions of young readers who place following their passions above sitting in school...Readers will get caught up in Spencer's search for the truth and his dilemma over playing it safe by keeping quiet, or following his conscience and risking both his job and passion."
— Booklist
"Once again, Nikki Tate has written an excellent horse novel. This, however, is much more that just a horse novel...It will appeal to all young adults who like a good mystery or a good horse story. Highly recommended."
— Resource Links
