Books like 'The Challenger'
Readers who enjoyed The Challenger by Terri Farley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary action / adventure animals horses western children realistic anthropomorphism
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Big Game by Stuart Gibbs
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen someone takes aim at Rhonda Rhino, FunJungle's pregnant (and endangered) Asian greater one-horned rhinoceros, the zoo steps up security measures in order to protect this rare animal and her baby.But the extra security isn't enough;someone is still getting too close for comfort...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTeddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle’s resident sleuth when the zoo’s newest addition goes missing—before she even arrives!FunJungle is frenzied, awaiting the arrival of its most thrilling animal yet—Li Ping—a rare and very expensive giant panda that the zoo went to enormous lengths to secure. But when the truck transporting Li Ping shows up, its precious cargo has vanished into thin air...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Lion Down by Stuart Gibbs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTeddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle’s resident sleuth when a lion is falsely accused of killing a distinguished dog in the latest novel in New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs’s FunJungle series...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Pegasus and the Origins of Olympus by Kate O'Hearn
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA deadly plague is causing the Olympians to fade one by one.As Emily watches Pegasus slip away she is determined to save him and embarks on a quest that takes her back in time to the deadly war between the Olympians and the Titans.In the race to save Pegasus, will Olympus find its true Hero? it's time for the original battle to be fought once again..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children horses action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
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The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn this cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky... -
Poached by Stuart Gibbs
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTeddy Fitzroy’s back for another zoo mystery—this time it’s a koala caper—in this action-packed follow-up to Belly Up that School Library Journal called a “whopper of a whodunit that delivers plenty of suspects, action, slapstick, gross bodily functions, red herrings, and animal trivia...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book bullying -
Thea Stilton and the Legend of the Fire Flowers by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters in this adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are in Hawaii to compete in an international hula festival. The mouselets are having a great time -- until they learn that the festival is located on the side of a volcano that is about to erupt! No one else seems know about the danger...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction -
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
High Meadow by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn emergency call to pick up an injured stallion on the side of the road sends Alexandra Hart, the new owner of Hart's Horse Rescue, into action. A recent addition to the area, she is not impressed when the animal's taciturn owner shows up. With his less-than-stellar disposition, he’s the kind of man she normally avoids at all costs, unfortunately, he owns the ranch just down the road... -
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsStellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBecky Wade Is the New Name to Know in Contemporary Romance Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships. When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds... -
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsOfficer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone else in Napville, but his dull presentations put his audiences to sleep. Enter Gloria, Napville's new police dog. Gloria knows just how to liven up the safety speeches--as long as Officer Buckle's back is turned! Full color...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure book children-books classics -
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsGerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure audiobook book bullying children-books -
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure book children-books contemporary family -
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A Ruckus in the Garden: The Adventures of Pettson and Findus by Sven Nordqvist
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPettson and Findus are back in this uproarious tale about gardening! When Pettson announces that it’s time to plant seeds in the garden, Findus, his cat, plants a meatball. The hilarity continues as each night their hard work is undone by hungry chickens, then a rogue pig. When cows set up shop, Pettson and Findus must hatch a plan to protect their garden and Findus’s meatballs... -
A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMy name is Squirrel. I was born in a wheelbarrow.There were five of us puppies in the beginning, but only my brother and I survived. So we set off on our own to see the world.Life as a stray has been hard - but filled with adventure!I've been adopted and I've been abandoned. I lost my brother, but found new friends. I've been in scrapes, but I always survived.This is the story of my life...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsKorean edition of a delightful picture book POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? (Brown Bear and Friends) by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by award-winning author/illustrator Eric Carle, translated by Lee Hi Jae...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure book children-books classics contemporary -
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family...Categorized as:
animals children anthropomorphism realistic middle-grade fiction fantasy children-books -
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeing a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball...Categorized as:
animals children realistic action-adventure book bullying children-books contemporary -
Martin Marten by Brian Doyle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDave is fourteen years old, eager, and headlong. He is about to start high school, which is scary and alluring. Martin is a pine marten, a small, muscled hunter of the deep woods. He is about to leave home for the first time, which is scary and thrilling...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism realistic action-adventure audiobook book coming-of-age contemporary -
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text... -
Samurai by Harley Wylde
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrey -- Desperate times call for desperate measures, otherwise I’d never have signed a contract with Knox’s Pleasure Emporium. Selling myself for a few hours once is far better than my other option -- letting my mother’s loan shark use me however he sees fit in order to recoup his money. I can’t even be angry with Mom since she’s no longer with us... -
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOlivia is a gorgeous little pig who likes to dress up, sing songs, dance, think, snooze and is even quite good at building sandcastles. At the end of the day, when she snuggles up in bed and her mother reads her a story (or three), Olivia feels very full of love. Ages 3+...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn this instant literary classic about friendship, forging your own path, and doing what’s right, debut author Hannah Gold inspires fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander to make a difference in any way they can.There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
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The Black Stallion Returns by Walter Farley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn this, the second book in the series, the heart-stopping adventures of the Black Stallion continue as Alec discovers that two men are after the Black. One claims to be the Black’s rightful owner and one is trying to kill the beautiful steed. An Arab chieftain proves his ownership of the Black and takes him away, but Alec is determined to find his horse again...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children horses realistic 20th-century action-adventure audiobook -
Smells Like Treasure by Suzanne Selfors
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Homer Pudding receives a mysterious note emblazoned with the letters L.O.S.T., he knows the moment he has been waiting for has arrived. It is time to meet the society of Legends, Objects, Secrets, and Treasures, take his Uncle's place, and become a true adventurer. With his best friend, Dog, at his side, everything seems to be going as planned.. -
And Baby Makes Five by Debra Clopton
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTWO STUBBORN HUMANS, HIS DOG, HER DONKEY...AND A BRAND-NEW BABYA donkey with a penchant for breaking and entering...in search of alfalfa? Cort Wells had never heard of such a thing, until he and his dog moved into Mule Hollow. And the donkey's eight-months-pregnant owner was Lilly Tipps, raised by her man-hating grandmas... -
Tangled in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"Look out, world! There's a new cowboy in town."—Carolyn Brown, New York Times Bestselling Author It took 32 seconds to end his career.But it only took 1 to change his life. Thirty-two seconds. That's how long it took for Delon Sanchez's life to end. One minute he was the best bronc rider in the Panhandle and the next he was nothing... -
Mistletoe Cowboy by Diana Palmer
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this heartwarming story of holiday romance, one cowboy is ready for love—whether he knows it yet or not . . .Horse whisperer Parker doesn't drink, smoke, or gamble, and he doesn't have much to do with women, either. But that may change when a runaway Palomino leads him to his small Colorado town’s new schoolteacher. Widowed Katy, and her sweet daughter, are new in Benton... -
Run Away Home by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSamantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval–its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family...Categorized as:
animals horses realistic children anthropomorphism young-adult children-books middle-grade -
Die Wilden Hühner und das Glück der Erde by Cornelia Funke
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMädels, verbündet euch! Deutschlands beliebteste Mädchen-Bande jetzt mit farbigen Illustrationen. Ferien auf dem Reiterhof sind so gar nicht Sprottes Ding. Dank ihrer Freundinnen findet sie das Reiten dann aber doch ziemlich cool, und die Pferde wachsen den Mädchen richtig ans Herz. Ganz anders als die Jungs von den Pygmäen... -
A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDaddy says, "Most folks got a north star in their life—something that gives their life extra meaning. Mine is music."Without even thinking, I say, "Mine is Tam."Abby knows that Tam, her Shetland sheepdog, is her north star, and she's pretty certain she's his, too...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Blind Beauty by K.M. Peyton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo beings, horse and human, are bound in an unspoken love and respect which draws the finest from both of them. This book by award-winning author, Kathleen Peyton tells their story...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism horses realistic action-adventure book british-isles children-books -
The Terrible Two Go Wild by Mac Barnett, Jory John
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummers are for pranking in The Terrible Two Go Wild , the third installment of the hilarious New York Times bestselling series by Mac Barnett and Jory John, with illustrations by Kevin Cornell.School’s out, and pranksters Miles and Niles have retreated to a perfect hideout in the woods, complete with snacks, games, books, sleeping bags, stream-chilled lemonade . . -
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Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA shy mouse who lives in the library decides to write and illustrate his own tales. When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSwift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Born to Run by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe bag wasn't just drifting gently along, it was turning of it's own accord. There was something inside it, squeaking and squealing in terror. Patrick didn't think about it. He shrugged off his school bag and leaped into the canal.For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a young puppy is only the start of his adventures...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA sheltered girl. A wild horse. An unforgettable journey.Paint the Wind joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!Maya lives like a captive. At Grandmother's house in California, everything is forbidden: friends, fun, even memories... -
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPerfect for fans of Love and Hello, Lighthouse , The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling Loren Long is a tender and soulful story about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose in the most unexpected places--and in the journey along the way.There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another...Categorized as:
children realistic children-books fiction outdoors action-adventure contemporary book -
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children realistic action-adventure audiobook book bullying -
Wolf: The Journey Home by Asta Bowen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn this fictionalized account of real events, a female wolf named Marta, along with her young family, sets out on an epic journey to return to their home hunting grounds in Montana after they are mistakenly relocated by a group of naturalists...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary dogs -
The Pack by Dayna Lorentz
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShep the German shepherd doesn't know why his family has left him alone, nor does he understand the terrible, shrieking storm that has torn apart his city. He just knows that the new dogs he's met are his best chance at survival -- especially now that they've made enemies of the wild dogs in the city...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children action-adventure book children-books contemporary dogs -
Backstretch Baby by Bev Pettersen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe can accept his past...but can he? Private investigator Rick Talbot shuns polite society, preferring to keep horrific memories at bay by hunting the most hardened of criminals. Tracking down stolen bridles at a California racetrack is a mind-numbing assignment that’s way beneath his pay grade... -
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Jurassic World Special Edition Junior Novelization (Jurassic World) by David Lewman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJurassic World is the long-awaited next installment of the groundbreaking Jurassic Park series. T... -
Blue Wings by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen her step-mum picks out a mustang for Samantha's dad's birthday present, Sam thinks it's a perfect idea. The new horse is gorgeous, but he's also energetic and wilful. Only Sam's dad can tame him - if he wants to accept the birthday gift at all...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children horses realistic western 21st-century action-adventure -
The Storm by Dayna Lorentz
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWarriors and Guardians of Ga'Hoole fans have a new animal adventure to sink their teeth into A terrible storm -- and the beginning of a thrilling new animal adventure trilogy When a hurricane forces his family to evacuate without him, Shep the German sheperd is confused...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary dog -
Silver Brumby's Daughter by Elyne Mitchell
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA silver brumby is special, but he will be hunted by man and horse alike, and must be stronger than both...Thowra's speed and courage have always saved him from the men who want to capture him - until now, when the men come on skis quickly and silently over the mountains. This time Thowra must protect his daughter from the hunters who prize the silver brumbies above any other horse...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism children horses action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Elephant Secret by Eric Walters
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe Bought a Zoo meets Jurassic Park in a gripping story set in an elephant sanctuary, featuring the perennial appeal of human-animal friendships.Samantha (Sam) lives at the elephant sanctuary her dad runs and views the elephants there as much a part of her family as her single dad is...Categorized as:
animals children realistic action-adventure book children-books coming-of-age contemporary -
My Favorite Cowboy by Donna Grant
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Donna Grant rounds up the hottest cowboys in Texas in her latest novel of no-holds-barred passion.Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses―even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man...
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