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Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
Sway with the Wind by Amanda LaPera is the story of eleven-year-old Anne Dougherty, who is sent off to live on a ranch in the desert with her grandfather, after her parents died in a terrible accident. The land is large, empty, and harsh, and Anne has to adjust to her chores, long days in the sun, and a life that's so different from what she’s used to. To make matters worse, she feels like an outsider around the other children and struggles with everything she's left behind. Slowly, she starts to get the hang of ranch life, finds comfort in caring for the animals, and bonds with Steve, the ranch hand’s son, who also knows what it's like to be on the outside. But as the town around them faces huge changes, will she be able to find a place where she belongs, or will everything she’s grown used to change again?
Sway with the Wind by Amanda LaPera is a moving YA coming-of-age tale that will really pull you in. It unfolds in a gentle and sincere way that mirrors Anne’s own adjustment to all the changes in her life. I kept thinking about the scenes with her horse and how patient Anne has to be, especially during training, because it reflects her own growth. Things get even more tense when outsiders show up in town with big plans that shake up the ranch and the community. Anne and her grandfather have to figure out where they stand, and it made me wonder how she would handle all that pressure. The little added touches, like dust kicking up under boots, deep conversations with Steve, or evenings on the porch, make the story come to life. I really love how Anne's relationships with Steve, her grandfather, her horse, and her friends grow through trust. This makes her story compelling from start to finish. If you’re into tales about social issues, resilience, and finding your place in a world that’s changing fast, this book is a must-read.
