The Arizona Kid

The Arizona Kid follows sixteen-year-old Billy, who leaves his Missouri home to spend a summer in Tucson working with racehorses alongside his Uncle Wes. The teen takes a job at the local racetrack, where he learns about horse care and training while navigating new relationships with his coworkers. Billy's summer becomes a time of discovery as he gets to know his gay uncle Wes, forms a connection with a young horse rider named Cara Mae, and finds his place among the unique personalities at the track. His interactions with characters like Jack, the toupee-wearing trainer, and his friend Lew shape his understanding of the adult world. The novel explores themes of acceptance, coming-of-age, and the complexity of family relationships against the backdrop of 1980s Arizona horse racing culture. This award-winning young adult book stands out for its honest treatment of sexuality, identity, and the bonds that form between unlikely friends.

Readers describe this young adult novel as a frank coming-of-age story. Most reviews focus on its authentic portrayal of teenage life and relationships in the 1980s. Readers appreciated: - Natural, realistic dialogue - Complex family dynamics - Open discussion of sexuality and relationships - Humor throughout the story - Well-developed secondary characters Common criticisms: - Some dated references and attitudes - Slow pacing in parts - Side plots that don't fully resolve Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) "The characters feel like real teens, not sanitized versions," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader mentioned "honest portrayal of difficult subjects without being preachy." Multiple reviews point out the book's straightforward handling of LGBTQ+ themes was notable for its publication era, though some modern readers find elements of the representation dated.

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🌵 In Tucson, where the book is set, summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (37.8°C), making the heat a tangible character in the story. 🐎 Horse racing in Arizona has a rich history dating back to 1954 when Rillito Racetrack, one of the state's first formal racing venues, opened in Tucson. 📚 Ron Koertge has written over 20 novels and numerous poetry collections, earning him the nickname "the wisest, most entertaining wiseguy in American poetry." 🏆 The book's 1988 ALA "Best of the Best" recognition placed it alongside other notable works like Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet" and Cynthia Voigt's "Izzy, Willy-Nilly." 🎭 Koertge began his career teaching at the college level while writing poetry, and only later transitioned to young adult fiction, bringing his poetic sensibility to his prose.