Thoroughbred #51: Distance Runner

by Jennifer Chu and Eoin Colfer

Book Overview

A competitive bug is sweeping through Whitebrook Farm. Image, Star, and Gratis are all contenders for the Triple Crown races, which begins with the Kentucky Derby, a little over a month away. Christina can't stand the pressure. So, when she is given the chance to leave Kentucky for a little while and ride for another farm in California, where Derby fever isn't quite as intense, she packs her bags and takes Star with her. There, Chris focuses on making...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061068209
• ISBN13: 9780061068201
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: HarperEntertainment
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Better!

I must say that I was impressed with this book. I've always liked Jennifer Chu's writing, and this book was no exception. It was never boring; there always seemed to be something happening. I really dislike the Johnsons. They are selfish and mean and only think that their opinions count. By the way, I agree with some of you when you say that Chris is selfish, such as in book 64, but not in this book. I was realived to find that Chris wasn't bratty at all in this book. Great reads!

A Nice Book For the TB series....

I must say it is very unrealistic that Christina rides one horse in a race and some famous trainer wants her to ride in California! I'm glad there was finally a problem and a person in the book accually fell off and kept making mistakes with her favorite horse and the fact that they mention quite a few of the old Whitebrook horses. (Storm,Glory,Honor,Shining) The only REAL problem was the dates were REALLY mest up! The Santa Anita Derby and Bluegrass Stakes are accually run ON THE SAME WEEKEND and the Lafeyette is run AFTER them (atleast a week or so) and also the Derby doesn't come up for another, atleast a month or more AFTER the races. And in Perfect Challenge.....wasn't Image entered in the Bluegrass Stakes? WHOA! Slight mistake there!

An Excellent Grabber

After reading the other reveiws about this book I was a little uneasy to read it but it wasn't like I expected it to be. Part of me expected Aaron to be a complete jerk but, he is a really sweet guy and makes up for Parker and Christina's relationship ending. I still like Parker and hope he and Christina end up together, even though I dont think we'll be seeing much of Parker for a while (hint hint), but Aaron is a nice distraction. Star has proved once again to be an amazing horse and strengthen the bond between him and Christina yet again. A excellent book well worth the time to take to read. Applause to Colledge Senior Jennifer Chu on her first amazing novel. good luck in writing many more.

One of the best TBs ever!

I LOVED this book! I could barely put it down in school (haha). Anyways, Melanie and Chris are getting competitive because of the Derby coming up very soon....Image is blowing everyone away but Star is starting to get sluggish until the very end. Christina wants Star to lead wire to wire, but is that what Star wants? A GREAT ending........I say go win the derby Star!!! I was rooting for Image until this book but now I can't wait until the next book, Perfect Challenge. I guess it will be about Mel and Image in the Bluegrass Stakes. Then the book you have been waiting for.....Derby Fever. I wonder who wil win?

A Fantastic yet sad book!!!

I have read every Thoroughbred book printed and own every one. I buy them as soon as they come out and can finish them in a day. This Thoroughbred amazed me. First, I would like to congradlate Jennifer Chu for writing her first Thoroughbred and doing it well. But the worst part in the book is when Parker and Christina brake up. That was soooo sad!!But who Christina meets next is cool. So read book #51 and you will be as amazed as me at the other surprises!