At ten years of age, Sarah Voskamp was already a published author with a book that she wrote when she was nine. According to Sarah, her first book, "Filly Girls" will not be her last because she hopes to grow up to be the next J.K. Rowling!

Even at her young age, Sarah has a very defined ‘voice’ in her writing and her main character in "Filly Girls" is a precocious, curious, determined young lady who, nevertheless, opens up to accepting that even determination doesn’t always get us exactly what we want. Sarah’s character development was already strong at the age of ten.

Sarah is also a very lucky young lady because her mother and father, Leo and Kim Voskamp are very supportive of her creative endeavors. Dad is a wonderful business manager and coach while Mom not only encourages Sarah, she is a creative marketing manager as well.

"Filly Girls" was released in December of 2010 by Boutique of Quality Books Publishing Company and is available on their website at www.BoutiqueofQualityBooks.com as well as through booksellers around the world and from sites like amazon.com, amazon.ca (Canada), barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com and through booksellers around the U.S. and Canada.

Born and raised in Georgia, Sarah lives there with her mom and dad, two brothers and an adorable dog who is almost as big as she is. Sarah’s family is originally from Ontario, Canada and she already has a large fan base from there.

Reviewed by Fran L. for Readers' Favorite

Filly Girls by author Sara Voskamp will enchant and engage the reader from the start. Every young child has a dream. Some dream to become Olympic stars, and others, like Ellie and her two friends, dream to win a riding competition. When her parents presented her with Miracle as her Christmas surprise, 12-year old Ellie was more than ecstatic, and owning her own horse really made a difference. She received an email inviting her to ride in a competition in Georgia, and learning the invitation came from her own trainer was exciting. Working hard to get her horse ready, learning the patterns and making sure Miracle felt safe and confident kept Ellie quite focused. Yet as any child, she envisioned herself at the head of the winner’s circle and could not imagine anyone but her or her two friends winning the competition.

Writing in her daily diary you hear her inner thoughts and hopes but when she reads Felicity’s diary things change for both girls. Ellie, being a kind and true friend was upset that Felicity was angry with her and wanted to try and mend the fences. But could she before the competition? Chasing her dream to win this competition she knew she had hard work. Will their friendships hold? Then the unthinkable happens and the competition might not take place. One judge died and kids understand but when they are looking forward to something the disappointment is great and Ellie is really crushed. She takes a chance approaching one of the judges, is scolded by her parents but this was her life-long dream and she was going to experience it.

Ellie is headstrong and determined and by going off alone with her two friends she could have endangered all three of them but she would stop at nothing to ride in this competition. Her plan is ingenious and what happens you need to read for yourself. What does she come up with and what is the end result you will have to read for yourself? The end result of the competition teaches Ellie many lessons about friendship, determination and loyalty. How does this all play out? Who gets to go to National’s and who does not?

Ten-year-old Sarah Voskamp’s debut novel engages the reader and helps one understand the inner thoughts of a young girl. Hearing her voice, feeling her frustrations and understanding her disappointments and successes brings the story alive for children of all ages. Great story. Great characters. This is a fun book for all kids to read. Anyone that loves riding and horses will understand Ellie’s passion for wanting to be part of the show and her joy of just owning Miracle.