The Arizona Kid (novel) explained

The Arizona Kid
Author:	Ron Koertge
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Genre:	Young adult
Publisher:	Joy Street Books, Little, Brown & Co.
Release Date:	1988
Media Type:	Print
Pages:	228 pages
Isbn:	9780316501019
Isbn Note:	(first edition)
Oclc:	17327918

The Arizona Kid is a 1988 novel by Ron Koertge about a summer 16-year-old Billy spends living with his gay uncle and working with racehorses.

Characters

• Billy Kennedy: a 16-year-old from Missouri
• Uncle Wes: Billy's uncle and mentor
• Jack: a horse trainer who expresses himself through the toupee he chooses to wear
• Lew: a co-worker and friend of Billy's
• Cara Mae: an outspoken racehorse rider who develops a relationship with Billy

Reception

Reviews

The American Library Association designated the book a "Best of the Best Books for Young Adults" in 1988.^[1] The School Library Journal praised it, saying "Koertge's marvelous wit (also evident in Where the Kissing Never Stops Little, 1987) out of the mouth of his young hero is a delight, and his compassion for and understanding of Wes and Billy and his summer friends shapes a funny but affecting novel." The book also received positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and the Emergency Librarian.

Criticism

The book is number seventy-five on the American Library Association's list of the top 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990 to 1999.^[2]

See also

• List of most commonly challenged books in the U.S.

Notes and References

1. Web site: ALA Best Books for Young Adults . LibraryThing.
2. Web site: The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–1999 . American Library Association . 2014-06-14 .