"Andi Carter has just turned nine. She and her palomino, Taffy, are old enough to be a real horse-and-rider pair at last! With a beautiful new saddle, Andi is sure she's ready to learn to trick ride like her friend Riley used to do before he left the ranch. Sadly, big brother Chad knocks down any trick-riding plans, but Andi cheers up when she discovers a new friend at her special spot. Her fun with Sadie is soon threatened, though. They are caught...

"The summer after Andi Carter turns nine, the circus comes to town. Andi can't wait to get in line to see the elephants, the acrobats, and--most of all--the champion bareback rider. What could be more thrilling than riding your very own horse under the big top? Then she meets Henry Jackson, a small boy selling circus treats. Andi thinks his job must be perfect. He gets to spend every day with happy clowns, exotic animals, and excited visitors. But...

"When Fresno is hit with an unexpected outbreak of deadly scarlet fever, Andi Carter is scared. Her town friends are getting sick and school is closed until it passes. Far from the danger, at least Andi has her horse Taffy and plenty of work on the Circle C ranch to distract her. But is she really safe? First one ranch hand, then two, and then her brother Mitch fall ill. Mother is convinced that the only way to protect Andi from this terrible disease...