Many teens feel different and excluded — we hear about bullying and teasing on social media daily. It’s easy to imagine that a small rural town with limited cell service would solve the issue. But human nature doesn’t depend on the setting. Sometimes the bond with a horse, self-acceptance and support from true friends are the path through difficult situations.

“Sierra Blue,” by Western Heritage Award winner Suzanne Morgan Williams, tells the story of 14-year-old Magic Kendall, who sees auras around animals. That’s the last thing the young psychic wants her friends to know — she feels weird.

When her best friend in Tillamook lets her secret out, the teasing and texting are relentless. Magic escapes from the small-town rumors and cyberbullying to her great-aunt’s horse ranch in the High Sierra. She finally feels safe.

However, an injured thoroughbred filly changes everything. Magic is faced with risking “her secret” to save Sierra Blue. She’s fearful of losing her fragile new friendships.

With a target audience of ages 10 and up, animal lovers, horse racing fans, readers of books set in the contemporary West, and anyone who’s felt compelled to hide their true selves to seem “normal,” may enjoy “Sierra Blue.” Teachers and counselors might find it useful for opening discussions with their students and clients.

About the author

Suzanne Morgan Williams is a Nevada Arts Council teaching artist and was chosen member of the year by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Pleasant Valley, Nevada.

Her 2010 book, “Bull Rider,” won a Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, represented Nevada at the National Book Festival and was a Junior Library Guild selection.

The book is available for order from local bookstores and can be purchased on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. For more information about the author and her books, visit www.suzannemorganwilliams.com.

This week’s bestsellers from Publishers Weekly

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros

2. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros

3. “The Exchange” by John Grisham

4. “Inheritance” by Nora Roberts

5. “Alex Cross Must Die” by James Patterson

6. “The Little Liar” by Mitch Albom

7. “Holly” by Stephen King

8. “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride

9. “Fourth Wing (Special Edition)” by Rebecca Yarros

10. “The Edge” by David Baldacci

HARDCOVER NONFICTION

1. “The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears

2. “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready!” by Ree Drummond

3. “My Name Is Barbra” by Barbra Streisand

4. “The Great Disappearance” by David Jeremiah

5. “The Wager” by David Grann

6. “Guinness World Records 2024” by Guinness World Records

7. “Prequel” by Rachel Maddow

8. “Be Useful” by Arnold Schwarzenegger

9. “Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson

10. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin